QUOTE: Originally posted by jeffhergert They would gain a third main across Iowa and Illinois. The IAIS does the intermodal terminal work at Council Bluffs for the UP. The UP ramp used to be by the old union station and now is in CB in the IAIS's old RI yard. The UP I heard, put some money into building the intermodal ramp at West Liberty, IA. The UP uses IAIS trackage rights from Des Moines to Council Bluffs during major track programs in western Iowa. We were supposed to start running over them last month, except they postponed the work (again) because of too much traffic. A couple of years ago, I had an FRA track inspector ride my train. We were talking about the chance of the UP buying the IAIS. He said he had heard that UP was torn on what to do, long term. They know they will need another track, a third main. If they buy the IAIS, they will have to do improvements of course, but they won't have to do a lot of earth moving or trying to convince towns, especially Ames, IA, of the need of building another track thru town. Also, as stated in the May Trains issue, the IAIS ex-RI route enters the southern side of the Chicago area. Can by-pass alot of congestion going to eastern connections. I'm not holding my breath on this, but never say never.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.