Directional Running on CN/IC

[Anonymous]

I have heard that the CN/IC lines through Illinois are starting directional running. Northbound movements running up through Centralia and southbound movements using the Edgewood cutoff. Does anyone know more about this? I heard it starts at midnight tonight. Any info is appreciated.[:D]

[rich747us]

Hey Tracy15,

I can tell you that this is the first I've heard about this. I live about 40 miles west of Centralia and I've railfaned out there many times and still go out there frequently. The last time I spent a significant ammount of time out there was in March, and I saw both north and southbounds (one of the northbounds having an untouched WC SD45 on point! I know many have seen them, but it was the first time for me as I've never railfaned the WC.). If this is the case, then they're gonna have to be making special arraingements for the two southbound Amtraks (the southbound City of New Orleans and Illini.). Where did you first hear about these new operating procedures? Be sure to let me know if you hear anything more about this. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Yes, northbounds go thru Centralia, southbounds thru Bluford. Obviously there are exceptions to this. Two s.b. amtraks and s.b. train m304 go thru centralia, as well as many coal & grain trains off the BNSF at Centralia. Occasional coal trains from American mine go north thru Bluford. Centralia yard has been shut down; it had been classifying 600 cars a day or more. Crews try to run thru between Champaign & Fulton KY, but often times don' t make it.