Where are the coal trains?

[Anonymous]

I live in the small west central Minnesota town of Morris. On the Morris Subdivision of the BNSF. Trains pass through Morris running between Willmar, MN and the big yard in Dilworth, MN Up until a year or two ago, long coal trains would come through town often. Usually with COLX cars behind them. With some trains of NSPX or WEPX cars also. But in the last year or two, rarely (if not at all) will I see I coal train. Maybe someone out there knows of where this coal is now traveling.

Coal trains do show up in Willmar but they come off the Marshall, MN subdivision from south western MN and are usually DEEX unit trains.

Just thought I'd check to see if there's any knowledge of where the coal has gone.

[rrnut282]

There are lots of reasons. Maybe the contract expired. Power plants like to buy a lot (year's worth) at a time with the delivery dates and/or rates specified in writing. When the contract has been fulfilled (and the coal delivered) the trains stop running. Maybe BNSF is rebuilding its line or a bridge is close to failing and the trains have been detoured. Maybe UP is hauling it, now. Since those are privately owned cars, the owners might be able to shed some light on the situation.

[Anonymous]

I had some thoughts that some of those reasons could be it. I also noted last night while out and about that a 10 mile section has been under a 25 mph speed restriction for quite some time and they are now replacing the jointed rail with welded. This could be the reason here, as you say rebuilding the track.

Appreciate the info!