1702 wrote:Altho the Sunset Limited has not operated east of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, the service is "suspended", not "abandoned". For New Orleans-Jacksonville to be truly in the latter category, it would have to be at the end of a 180-day service discontinuance notice. To date, such notice has not been issued.
I agree with that, but I feel Amtrak will not issue the notice because it would cost them the support of Trent Lott, the only Republican I would call a strong supporter of Amtrak. Hopefully I can get Indiana (and south Chicago) done and write a proper intro and summary mentioning that.
I would also like to see the proposed New Orleans-Florida day train come to fruition.
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Oops.Both the Alaska and Hawaii listings say those states and North Dakota has never had Amtrak service. As is apparent elsewhere in the listings it is South Dakota that has never had Amtrak.
Oops.
Both the Alaska and Hawaii listings say those states and North Dakota has never had Amtrak service. As is apparent elsewhere in the listings it is South Dakota that has never had Amtrak.
Thanks for the heads up. I don't know how I screwed that up.
I would have been in trouble if Murph had noticed.
ps: We're the one with the Black Hills.
MNRailroader48 wrote:There is also a route in Minnesota, the Northern Star [or North Star, (dependeds on who you talk to)] between the Twin Cities and Duluth. It replaced the Gopher and Badger in Great Northern days. Amtrak ran it up to the 1980's. There is going to be a new commuter service (in 2008), called the North Star Commuter Service between the Twin Cities and Big Lake (St. Cloud) that may soon connect to Duluth.
There is a commuter operation called the Hiawath run on the Twin Cities Western [formerly Milwaukee Road], and operated be the State of Minnesota westward to the N. Dakota State Line, has both a dinette, and a full diner car in operation!
Abandonment by YearThis section shows the lines previously used by Amtrak, listed under the year they last saw service. For lines which have been abandoned more than once, they are only listed for the most recent curtailment of service. An example of this is the Union Pacific line across Wyoming, listed under 1997 when the Pioneer was discontinued. I have not listed it a second time under 1983, caused by the California Zephyr reroute onto the D&RGW.
2005- 1,021 miles 411 miles on CSX from Pine Jct IN through Akron to New Brighton PA, by the Chicago-New York Three Rivers cancellation on May 7, 2005, from November 11, 1990. Stations dropped- Nappanee IN, Fostoria OH, Akron OH, Youngstown OH 610 miles on CSX from NOT Jct LA through Mobile to Jacksonville FL, by the Sunset Limited suspension east of New Orleans on August 28, 2005. Amtrak does not consider this route abandoned. Stations dropped- Bay St. Louis MS, Gulfport MS, Biloxi MS, Pascagoula MS, Mobile AL, Atmore AL, Pensacola FL, Crestview FL, Chipley FL, Tallahassee FL, Madison FL, Lake City FL
2004- 355 miles 181 miles on CN from Port Huron MI to Bathurst St ON, by the International cancellation on April 23, 2004, from October 31, 1982. The International operated between Chicago and Toronto. Stations dropped- Sarnia ON, Strathroy ON, London ON, St.Marys ON, Stratford ON, Kitchener ON, Guelph ON, Georgetown ON, Brampton ON 174 miles on CSX from Baldwin FL to Lakeland FL, by the Palmetto route change on November 1, 2004, from May 1, 1971. The Palmetto became a New York to Savannah service, and all Amtrak trains south of Jacksonville now travel through Orlando. Stations dropped- Waldo FL, Ocala FL, Wildwood FL, Dade City FL
2003- 117 miles 117 miles on Louisville and Indiana from Indianapolis IN to Louisville KY, by the Kentucky Cardinal cancellation on July 6, 2003, from May 1, 1971. The Kentucky Cardinal was an extension of the Hoosier State to Louisville. Stations dropped- Jeffersonville IN, Louisville KY
2002- 49 miles 44 miles on Union Pacific from Sacramento CA to El Pinal CA, by the San Joaquin reroute on March 18, 2002, from August 28, 1999. This former Western Pacific line had been used while the parallel former Southern Pacific line was rebuilt. 5 miles on BNSF from Everett Jct WA along the Everett harbour to Delta Jct WA, by the Amtrak Cascades reroute during 2002, from July 12, 1972. Station replaced- Everett WA
2001- 66 miles 66 miles on WSOR and METRA from Rondout IL to Janesville WI, by the Lake Country Limited cancellation on September 22, 2001, from April 15, 2000. The Lake Country Limited connected Janesville and Chicago. Stations dropped- Lake Geneva WI, Janesville WI
2000- 108 miles 106 miles on UP from Big Sandy TX through Mount Pleasant to Texarkana TX, by the Texas Eagle route consolidation on February 28, 2001, from May 22, 2000. The Texas Eagle had a split route to conform to Union Pacific's directional running. Station dropped- Gilmer TX 2 miles on UP in Salt Lake City from the north to the south by the California Zephyr reroute out of the D&RGW Station, during 1999 or 2000. Station dropped- D&RGW Salt Lake City UT
1997- 2,063 miles 1,456 miles on Union Pacific from Portland OR to Denver CO, by the Pioneer cancellation on May 11, 1997, from May 1, 1971. The Pioneer connected Seattle and Denver, and combined with the California Zephyr to reach Chicago. Stations dropped- Hood River OR, The Dalles OR, Hinkle OR, Pendleton OR, La Grande OR, Baker City OR, Ontario OR, Nampa ID, Boise ID, Shoshone ID, Pocatello ID, Ogden UT, Evanston WY, Green River WY, Rock Springs WY, Rawlins WY, Laramie WY, Borie WY, Greeley CO 607 miles on Union Pacific from Daggett CA to Smelter UT, by the Desert Wind cancellation on May 12, 1997, from October 28, 1979. The Desert Wind operated between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. Stations dropped- Las Vegas NV, Caliente NV, Milford UT
1996- 454 miles 208 miles on Southern Pacific from Wellton AZ to Picacho AZ, by the Sunset Limited reroute south of Phoenix on June 3, 1996, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Phoenix AZ, Tempe AZ, Coolidge AZ 182 miles on BNSF from Chicago IL to Cameron IL, by the Southwest Chief reroute on July 31, 1996, from May 1, 1971. The Southwest Chief now uses the former BN rather than ATSF between Chicago and Galesburg. Stations dropped- Galesburg(ATSF) IL, Chillicothe IL, Streator IL 64 miles on Conrail and Bay Colony from Attleboro MA to Hyannis MA, by the Cape Codder cancellation on September 2, 1996, from June 29, 1986. Stations dropped- Taunton MA, Wareham MA, Buzzards Bay MA, Sandwich MA, West Barnstable MA, Hyannis MA
1995- 888 miles 216 miles on CSX from Birmingham AL through Montgomery to Flomaton AL, by the Gulf Breeze cancellation on March 31, 1995, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Montgomery AL, Greenville AL, Evergreen AL 60 miles on Conrail and NJT from Frankfort Jct PA to Atlantic City NJ, by the Atlantic City Express cancellation on April 1, 1995, from May 21, 1989. Stations dropped- Lindenwold NJ, Atlantic City NJ 55 miles on Conrail from West Detroit MI to Toledo OH, by the Lake Cities, rerouted on April 1, 1995, from August 3, 1980. The Lakes Cities changed from a Chicago-Detroit-Toledo train to run Chicago-Detroit-Pontiac. 25 miles on New England Central from St. Albans VT to Cantic PQ, when the Montrealer was replaced by the Vermonter on April 1, 1995, from September 29, 1972. 65 miles on New England Central from New London CT to Palmer MA, by the Montrealer cancellation on April 2, 1995, from July 18, 1989. The Vermonter replaced the Montrealer running north through Hartford. 209 miles on Illinois Central from Memphis TN through Grenada to Jackson MS, by the City of New Orleans reroute on September 10, 1995, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Batesville MS, Grenada MS, Winona MS, Durant MS, Canton MS 258 miles on SP from Dallas TX through Corsicana to Houston TX by the Texas Eagle (Houston section) cancellation on September 10, 1995, from November 15, 1988. Stations dropped- Corsicana TX, College Station TX
1994- 121 miles 58 miles on ATSF from Los Angeles CA through Pasadena to San Bernardino CA, by the Southwest Chief reroute through Fullerton on January 14, 1994, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Pasadena CA, Pomona (ATSF) CA 4 miles on Burlington Northern from Quincy IL to West Quincy MO, by the Illinois Zephyr route change on May 1, 1994, from November 14, 1971. The Illinois Zephyr had terminated in West Quincy, Missouri. Station dropped- West Quincy MO 1 mile on Conrail from Detroit MI to Detroit MI, by the Wolverine and Twilight Limited reroutes on May 4, 1994, from May 1, 1971. The last service using the Michigan Central Station was on January 6, 1988. Station dropped- Detroit MI 58 miles on CSX from New Castle PA to Pittsburgh PA, by the Broadway Limited, rerouted onto Conrail on October 30, 1994, from November 11, 1990.
1993- 77 miles 13 miles on Conrail from Colehour IL to Maynard IN, by the Cardinal/Hoosier State reroute on June 30, 1993, from January 23, 1972. The route now goes through Dolton. 61 miles on TRRA, A&S and NS from East St. Louis IL to Centralia IL, by the River Cities cancellation on November 4, 1993, from April 29, 1984. Station dropped- Belleville IL 3 miles on CSX through Columbia, from North to South, by the Silver Star reroute, during 1993 (?). Station dropped- Columbia (SAL) SC
1991- 71 miles 4 miles on SEPTA from Philadelphia PA to the International Airport, by the Atlantic City Express route change on January 8, 1991, from June 1, 1990. The Atlantic City Express continued to run between downtown Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Station dropped- Philadelphia Airport PA 10 miles on MNCR from Spuyten Duyvil NY to Grand Central Terminal NY, by the Empire Service reroute on April 7, 1991, from May 1, 1971. Penn Station became Amtrak's only station in New York City. Station dropped- Grand Central Terminal NY 21 miles on Conrail from Pine Jct IN to Valparaiso IN, by the Calumet cancellation on May 3, 1991, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Whiting IN, Indiana Harbor IN, Gary (Chase Street) IN, Gary (Broadway) IN, Hobart IN, Wheeler IN, Valparaiso IN 35 miles on UP from Salt Lake City UT to Ogden UT by the Pioneer reroute on June 15, 1991, from June 1, 1977. The Pioneer now joined the California Zephyr at Denver instead of Salt Lake City. 1 mile on Conrail and CSX from River Road OH to CT Jct OH, by the Cardinal, rerouted on July 29, 1991, from May 1, 1971, marking Amtrak's return to Cincinnati Union Terminal. Station dropped- Cincinnati River Road OH
1990- 418 miles 77 miles on CN from London Jct ON to Bayview ON, Toronto, by the International reroute on January 23, 1990, from October 31, 1982. The International operated between Chicago and Toronto. Stations dropped- Ingersoll ON, Woodstock ON, Brantford ON, Dundas ON 341 miles on Conrail from Valparaiso IN through Fort Wayne to Alliance OH, by the Broadway Limited and Capitol Limited, rerouted on November 12, 1990, from May 1, 1971. The Broadway Limited moved onto CSX while the Capitol Limited was routed through Cleveland. Stations dropped- Warsaw IN, Fort Wayne IN, Lima OH, Crestline OH, Canton OH
1988- 54 miles 54 miles on CSX from Coleman FL to Auburndale FL, by the Silver Meteor reroute on June 11, 1988, from May 1, 1971.
1987- 59 miles 9 miles on Conrail from Readville MA to South Station MA, by the Northeast Corridor reroute on October 5, 1987, from 1981. The north end of the Northeast Corridor was undergoing reconstruction during this time. 50 miles on Boston and Maine from Springfield MA to East Northfield MA, by the Montrealer temporary cancellation and reroute on April 6, 1987, from September 29, 1972. Station dropped- Northampton MA
1986- 170 miles 43 miles on CP and NJ (D&H) from Rouses Point NY to Windsor Station PQ, by the Adirondack reroute on January 12, 1986, from August 6, 1974. Station dropped- Windsor Station 127 miles on CSX from Petersburg VA to Raleigh NC, by the Silver Star reroute through Selma on October 26, 1986, from May 1, 1971.
1985- 140 miles 140 miles on BN from Coon Creek MN through Superior to Duluth MN, by the North Star cancellation on April 7, 1985, from April 15, 1975. The North Star connected Minneapolis and Duluth. Timetable Stations dropped- Cambridge MN, Sandstone MN, Superior WI, Duluth MN
1984- 183 miles 46 miles on Seaboard from Tampa FL to St. Petersburg FL, by the Silver Meteor route change on January 31, 1984, from May 1, 1971. St. Petersburg has been served out of the Tampa station since. Stations dropped- Clearwater FL, St. Petersburg FL 2 miles on BN from Superior WI to Duluth MN, by the North Star reroute through Grassy Point on June 1, 1984, from February 15, 1977. 135 miles on BN from Pasco WA through Ritzville to Lakeside Jct WA, by the Empire Builder reroute on October 28, 1984, from May 1, 1971.
1983- 217 miles 38 miles on NS from Tolono IL to Decatur IL, by the Illini route change on July 10, 1983, from July 2, 1981. The Illini changed from Chicago-Decatur to Chicago-Carbondale. Station dropped- Decatur IL 179 miles on SP from Alazon NV to Ogden UT by the California Zephyr reroute on October 30, 1983, from May 1, 1971. The new route went south of the Great Salt Lake rather than across it.
1982- 132 miles 111 miles on Southern Pacific from Davis CA to Tehama CA, by the Coast Starlight reroute through Sacramento on April 25, 1982, from May 1, 1971. 21 miles on BN and UP from Pacific Jct IA to Omaha NE by the San Francisco Zephyr reroute back through Oreapolis, on April 25, 1982, from May 1, 1971.
1981- 1,144 miles 179 miles on Illinois Central Gulf from Chicago IL to Dubuque IA by the Black Hawk cancellation on September 30, 1981, from February 14, 1974. The Black Hawk ran between Dubuque and Chicago. Timetable Stations dropped- Elmhurst IL, Rockford IL, Freeport IL, Warren IL, Galena IL, East Dubuque IL, Dubuque IA 395 miles on B&O from Cincinnati OH through Parkersburg to Cumberland MD, by the Shenandoah cancellation on September 30, 1981, from September 8, 1971. The Shenandoah connected Cincinnati and Washington, DC. Timetable Stations dropped- Keyser WV, Oakland MD, Rowlesburg WV, Grafton WV, Clarksburg WV, Parkersburg WV, Athens OH, Chillicothe OH 150 miles on ATSF from Temple TX to Rosenberg TX by the Inter-American (Houston section) cancellation on October 1, 1981, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Bellville Yard TX 148 miles on MP from San Antonio TX to Laredo TX by the Inter-American cancellation on October 2, 1981, from January 28, 1973. The Inter-American was a Fort Worth to Laredo train, and later a St. Louis to San Antonio train, and is now the Texas Eagle. Timetable Station dropped- Laredo TX 45 miles on TP&W from Chenoa IL to East Peoria IL, by the Prairie Marksman cancellation on October 4, 1981, from August 10, 1980. Station dropped- East Peoria IL 227 miles on BN from Auburn WA through Yakima to Kennewick WA, by the Empire Builder reroute on October 27, 1981, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- East Auburn WA, Ellensburg WA, Yakima WA
1979- 4,140 miles 230 miles on Conrail from Detroit MI to Niagara Falls by the Niagara Rainbow cancellation on April 28, 1979, from October 31, 1974. The Niagara Rainbow connected Detroit and New York. Timetable Stations dropped- St. Thomas ON, Windsor ON 13 miles on Conrail from Hoffmans NY to Carmans NY, by the Lake Shore Limited reroute on April 29, 1979, from March 1, 1972. 121 miles on SCL from Richmond Hill GA to Jacksonville FL, by the Silver Meteor reroute through Folkston on September 30, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Thalmann GA 446 miles on N&W from Kenova WV through Roanoke to Petersburg VA, by the Hilltopper cancellation on September 30, 1979, from May 25, 1975. The Hilltopper was a train between Russell, KY, and Washington, DC. Timetable Stations dropped- Petersburg VA, Crewe VA, Farmville VA, Lynchburg VA, Bedford VA, Roanoke VA, Christiansburg VA, Narrows VA, Bluefield WV, Welch WV, Williamson WV 664 miles on Conrail from East St. Louis IL to Indianapolis IN (ex PRR), Terre Haute IN to Indianapolis IN (ex NYC), and Indianapolis IN to Pittsburgh PA (ex PRR), by the Kansas City-New York National Limited cancellation on October 1, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Timetable Stations dropped- Terre Haute IN, Richmond IN, Dayton OH, Columbus OH 198 miles on ATSF from Newton KS to Oklahoma City OK, by the Lone Star cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Lone Star replaced the Chicago-Houston Texas Chief. Timetable Stations dropped- Wichita KS, Arkansas City KS, Ponca City OK, Perry OK, Guthrie OK 249 miles on BN from Moorhead MN through Willmar to Minneapolis MN, by the Empire Builder reroute through Staples on October 2, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Breckenridge MN, Morris MN, Willmar MN 1,176 miles on Burlington Northern from Sandpoint ID across Montana to Moorhead MN, by the North Coast Hiawatha cancellation on October 7, 1979, from June 5, '71. Timetable Stations dropped- Paradise MT, Missoula MT, Deer Lodge MT, Butte MT, Bozeman MT, Livingston MT, Billings MT, Forsyth MT, Miles City MT, Glendive MT, Dickinson ND, Mandan ND, Bismarck ND, Jamestown ND, Fargo ND 98 miles on ATSF from Holliday KS through Ottawa to Emporia KS, by the Southwest Limited reroute through Topeka on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Southwest Limited replaced the Chicago-Los Angeles Super Chief. 569 miles on L&N and K&IT from Crawfordsville IN through Nashville to Birmingham AL, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Timetable Stations dropped- Bloomington IN, Bowling Green KY, Nashville TN, Decatur AL 351 miles on SCL from Montgomery AL through Dothan to Folkston GA, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Floridian was originally called the South Wind, and operated between Chicago and Florida. Timetable Stations dropped- Montgomery AL, Dothan AL, Thomasville GA, Valdosta GA, Waycross GA 15 miles on UP from Borie WY through Cheyenne to Speer WY, by the San Francisco Zephyr reroute on October 27, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Cheyenne WY 10 miles on Conrail from Castleton Jct NY to Post Road NY, by the Lake Shore Limited reroute on October 28, 1979, from October 31, 1975. The shorter direct line between Albany and Post Road is still in use.
1978- 391 miles 7 miles on BN from Union Jct MN to Division St MN, by the Empire Builder and North Coast Hiawatha reroute through Midway Station on February 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971. 3 miles on BN from Minneapolis MN over the Stone Arch Bridge to Minneapolis MN, by the Empire Builder and North Coast Hiawatha reroute on February 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Minneapolis 69 miles on CMSP&P from Black River WA through Renton to Easton WA, by the Empire Builder reroute onto BN during April 1978, from December 1977. 15 miles on Conrail from Black Rock NY to Brookfield ON, by the Empire State Express reroute on October 28, 1978, from October 31, 1974. The Empire State Express ran between Detroit and New York, and became the Niagara Rainbow. 241 miles on C&O and B&O from Wellsboro IN to Cincinnati OH, by the Cardinal, rerouted through Indianapolis rather than Muncie on July 17, 1978, from August 1, 1974. Timetable Stations dropped- Muncie IN, Peru IN 56 miles on Conrail from 41 miles on Conrail from Royalton PA to Perryville MD, by the National Limited (Washington section), rerouted through Philadelphia on October 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971.
1977- 130 miles 84 miles on N&W from Petersburg VA through Suffolk to Norfolk VA, by the Mountaineer cancellation on May 31, 1977, from May 25, 1975. The run west of Petersburg became the Hilltopper. Timetable Stations dropped- Norfolk VA, Suffolk VA 46 miles on the Chicago and Western Indiana, the Erie Lackawanna and the Chesapeake and Ohio from 87th Street IL to La Crosse IN, by the James Whitcomb Riley reroute onto B&O on June 12, 1977, from August 1, 1974.
1976- 109 miles 76 miles on C&O from Gordonsville VA through Doswell to Richmond VA, by the James Whitcomb Riley (Newport News section) cancellation on June 14, 1976, from May 1, 1971.The James Whitcomb Riley had connected Cincinnati with Washington and Newport News. 33 miles on D&H from Ballston Lake NY to Albany NY, by the Adirondack reroute through Schenectady on October 29, 1976, from August 6, 1974.
1975- 529 miles 417 miles on UP and L&N from Thornton IL to Amqui TN, by the Floridian reroute on April 27, 1975, from August 1, 1974. The South Wind, later renamed the Floridian, and ran between Chicago and Florida, and detoured onto this new route through Louisville rather than Evansville. Station dropped- Evansville IN 69 miles on Penn Central (NYC) from Dayton OH to Columbus OH, by the National Limited, rerouted during 1975, from May 1, 1971. This was an alternate route to the parallel Penn Central (PRR) route. 35 miles on MP from Taylor TX to Milano TX by the Inter-American reroute on October 26, 1975, from January 28, 1973. 8 miles on RF&P and SCL from AY VA through Richmond to FA VA, by Florida services shifting to the beltway, on November 15, 1975, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Richmond Broad Street
1974- 396 miles 2 miles on TRRA from St. Louis MO to East St. Louis IL, by the National Limited reroute off of Eads Bridge and onto MacArthur Bridge during 1974, from May 1, 1971. 1 mile on Houston Belt and Terminal in Houston TX to Union Station TX, by the Lone Star station change, on July 31, 1974, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Houston Union Station 247 miles on Penn Central from Maynard IN to Clermont IN, from Logansport IN to Anderson IN (alternate route), and from Lebanon IN to Indianapolis IN (alternate route) by the Floridian and James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto L&N and C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. Station dropped- Logansport IN 146 miles on Penn Central from Indianapolis IN through Hamilton to Norwood OH, by the Chicago-Cincinnati James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973.
1973- 440 miles 35 miles on SCL from Gross FL to Baldwin FL, by the Silver Meteor reroute on April 27, 1973, from December 17, 1971. 186 miles on Penn Central from Lenox IL to Terre Haute IN, a secondary route used by the National Limited until 1973, from May 1, 1971. 219 miles on Penn Central from Kankakee IL to Lebanon IN, and Indianapolis IN through Greensburg to River Road OH, by the James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted on October 16, 1973, from May 1, 1971. The new route used the former PRR rather than former NYC line.
1972- 1 mile 1 mile on Illinois Central from Chicago IL (South Wye) to Chicago Central Station, by the City of New Orleans reroute to Union Station on March 6, 1972, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Chicago Central Station
1971- 32 miles 11 miles on Penn Central from Mott Haven NY to New Rochelle NY, used by trains running from Grand Central Terminal to New England. All service to New England was consolidated into Penn Station later in 1971, from May 1971. 21 miles on Penn Central from Berea OH to Quaker OH, by the Lake Shore, rerouted on December 31, 1971, from May 10, 1971. Amtrak pulled out of Cleveland Union Terminal, due to high rent, and the Lake Shore stopped at a road crossing during its last 5 days of operation. Station dropped- Cleveland Union Terminal
Summary (miles)
State 1971 Current Abandoned ActiveAlabama 351 232 558 29% Alaska n 0 i 0 0 --- Arizona 816 i 774 n 208 i 79% Arkansas 0 i 305 0 100% California 1,654 2,039 i 342 86% Colorado 448 658 94 88% Connecticut i 162 i 162 56 74% Delaware 22 22 0 i 100% Florida 762 i 493 i 754 39% Georgia i 448 307 i 298 51% Hawaii 0 0 0 --- Idaho i 102 102 426 i 19% Illinois i 1,321 1,066 1,041 i 51% Indiana k 648 448 1,708 i 21%Iowa i 294 294 k i 22 i 93% Kansas 652 470 182 i 72% Kentucky 340 193 251 i 43% Louisiana 328 409 34 k 92% Maine i 0 i 45 k 0 i 100% Maryland k 104 151 i 74 i 67% Massachusetts 41 282 132 i 68% Michigan 220 520 i 50 91% Minnesota 382 380 373 50% Mississippi 295 478 i i 275 63% Missouri 482 667 2 i 100% Montana 668 668 774 46% Nebraska i 387 i 387 i 0 100% Nevada i 432 465 f 279 63% New Hampshire n 0 i 60 i 0 100% New Jersey 57 i 57 58 50% New Mexico 600 l 600 i 0 i 100% New York 499 777 78 92% North Carolina 349 569 i 64 i 90% North Dakota 430 424 i 373 54% Ohio 529 381 k 1,116 26% Oklahoma 248 134 114 f 54% Oregon 348 f 348 403 i 46% Pennsylvania k 531 f 641 167 i 79% Rhode Island 51 i 51 i 0 100% South Carolina k 422 i 545 i 3 99% South Dakota k 0 i 0 f 0 ---Tennessee 267 134 180 i 43% Texas 1,283 k 1,538 698 i 69% Utah i 165 i 389 545 i i 42% Vermont 0 i 183 i 18 i 91% Virginia i 607 i 648 487 i i 57% Washington k 580 980 436 i i 69% West Virginia i 218 297 345 l i 46% Wisconsin 235 235 l 55 l i 81% Wyoming 447 n 0 452 i 0%Dis of Columbia 8 13 0 n 100%
Canada l 0 168 550 23% Total 19,233 21,157 14,075 60%
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Dale's Trackside Guides
#1-Amtrak's Current Routes A detailed accounting of which railroad owns every mile of track used by Amtrak.
#2-Amtrak's Original Routes A look at the routes used by Amtrak on May 1st, 1971.
#3-Amtrak's Abandoned RoutesA State by State list of routes previously used by Amtrak.
#4-Mississippi River CrossingsThis is a study of the Railroad crossings over the Mississippi River.
#5-Continental Divide Crossings A summary of the railroad crossings of the Continental Divide in North America.
#6-America's Regional Railroads A look at the 62 current and former Regional Railroads in the United States.
#7-Class 1 Railroads in the 1950s A summary of the 127 class 1 railroads in 1950.
#8-The Milwaukee Road MainlinePoints of interest on the CMSP&P mainline from Chicago to Seattle and Portland.
#9-Montana Rail Link, I&MRL and IC&E Rosters
#10-AC Ownership Owners of locomotives with AC traction motors.
#11-GP30 Ownership A simple rundown of the dozens of owners of GP30 locomotives.
#12-1980 A look at the events that took place during 1980 affecting America's railroads.
#13-Iowa's Counties A listing of the railroads operating in Iowa's 99 Counties today and in 1985 and 1930.
#14-Ohio's CountiesA listing of the railroads operating in Ohio's 88 Counties today and in 1985 and 1930.
#15-Pieces of the RockSurviving rail lines and locomotives of the Rock Island Railroad.
#16-Missouri River CrossingsA study of the Railroad crossings over the Missouri River.
Dale's Nexus
South DakotaMay 1971 routesi.......0 miles- Current routesi.........0 miles- Abandoned routes......0 miles- South Dakota, along with Alaska and Hawaii, has never been served by Amtrak.
TennesseeMay 1971 routes....267 miles- The City of New Orleans rode 134 miles of the Illinois Central through Memphis while the South Wind used 133 miles of the L&N through Nashville. The Chicago-Florida South Wind was renamed Floridian, which came to an end during 1979. Current routes......134 miles- The City of New Orleans is on 134 miles of Canadian National's former IC line. Abandoned routes...180 miles- 9 miles on IC from Memphis to Mississippi, by the City of New Orleans reroute on September 10, 1995, from May 1, 1971. The new route was through Yazoo rather than Grenada. 133 miles on L&N from Kentucky through Nashville to Alabama, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Nashville 38 miles on L&N from Kentucky to Amqui, by the Floridian reroute on April 27, 1975, from August 1, 1974. The new route was through Louisville rather than Evansville.
TexasMay 1971 routes..1,283 miles- The Sunset Limited used 933 miles to cross Texas, and the Texas Chief reached Houston from Oklahoma with 387 miles. Current routes....1,538 miles- The Sunset Limited rides the Sunset Route for 933 miles in the State while the Texas Eagle uses 531 miles and the Heartland Flyer has another 75 miles.Abandoned routes...697 miles- 106 miles on UP from Big Sandy through Mount Pleasant to Texarkana by the Texas Eagle route consolidation on February 28, 2001, from May 22, 2000. The Texas Eagle had a split route to conform to Union Pacific's directional running. Station dropped- Gilmer 258 miles on SP from Dallas through Corsicana to Houston by the Texas Eagle (Houston section) cancellation on September 10, 1995, from November 15, 1988. Stations dropped- Corsicana, College Station 148 miles on MP from San Antonio to Laredo by the Inter-American cancellation on October 2, 1981, from January 28, 1973. The Inter-American was a Fort Worth to Laredo train, and later a St. Louis to San Antonio train, and is now the Texas Eagle. Timetable Station dropped- Laredo 150 miles on ATSF from Temple to Rosenberg by the Inter-American (Houston section) cancellation on October 1, 1981, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Bellville Yard 35 miles on MP from Taylor to Milano by the Inter-American reroute on October 26, 1975, from January 28, 1973. 1 mile on Houston Belt and Terminal in Houston to Union Station, by the Lone Star station change, on July 31, 1974, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Houston Union StationNon Amtrak...........157 miles- 157 miles on the Texas Mexican Railway from Laredo to Corpus Christie, by the Tex Mex Express cancellation, on June 18, 1989, from January 31, 1986
UtahMay 1971 routes....165 miles- The San Francisco Zephyr used 165 miles across the State, until the name was changed to California Zephyr. Current routes......389 miles- The California Zephyr operates on Union Pacific on 389 miles across Utah. Abandoned routes...545 miles- 2 miles on UP in Salt Lake City from the north to the south by the California Zephyr reroute out of the D&RGW Station, during 1999 or 2000. Station dropped- D&RGW Salt Lake City 266 miles on UP from Nevada to Smelter by the Desert Wind cancellation on May 12, 1997, from October 28, 1979. The Desert Wind operated between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, connecting to Chicago. Station dropped- Milford 130 miles on UP from Idaho through Ogden to Wyoming by the Pioneer cancellation on May 11, 1997, from May 1, 1971. The Pioneer connected Seattle and Denver. Station dropped- Ogden 35 miles on UP from Salt Lake City to Ogden by the Pioneer reroute on June 15, 1991, from June 1, 1977. The Pioneer now joined the California Zephyr at Denver instead of Salt Lake City. 112 miles on SP from Nevada to Ogden by the California Zephyr reroute on October 30, 1983, from May 1, 1971. The new route was south of the Great Salt Lake rather than over it.
VermontMay 1971 routes.......0 miles- Amtrak did not serve Vermont until September 29, 1972. Current routes......183 miles- The Ethan Allen Express runs on 17 miles of the C&P, and the Vermonter is on 166 miles of the New England Central.Abandoned routes....18 miles- 18 miles on New England Central from St. Albans to the Border, when the Montrealer was replaced by the Vermonter on April 1, 1995, from September 29, 1972.
VirginiaMay 1971 routes....607 miles- The George Washington from Washington and Newport News used a combined 383 miles of track, mostly belonging to C&O and the Southern. The Silver Meteor and Champion had a 186 mile route, while the Silver Star's route was 207 miles in Virginia, on the RF&P and SCL. The George Washington is now the Cardinal. Current routes......648 miles- The Cardinal and the Crescent both operate on 237 miles of track in Virginia. The Silver Meteor-Palmetto-Silver Star and Carolinian have 186 mile routes between DC and North Carolina, shared with Auto Train for 168 miles. The Newport News line adds another 76 miles in the State.Abandoned routes...487 miles- 63 miles on SCL from Petersburg to North Carolina, by the Silver Star reroute through Selma on October 26, 1986, from May 1, 1971. 256 miles on N&W from West Virginia through Roanoke to Petersburg, by the Hilltopper cancellation on September 30, 1979, from May 25, 1975. The Hilltopper was a train between Russell, KY, and Washington, DC. Stations dropped- Petersburg, Crewe, Farmville, Lynchburg, Bedford, Roanoke, Christiansburg, Narrows 84 miles on N&W from Petersburg through Suffolk to Norfolk, by the Mountaineer cancellation on May 31, 1977, from May 25, 1975. The run west of Petersburg became the Hilltopper. Timetable Stations dropped- Norfolk, Suffolk 76 miles on C&O from Gordonsville through Doswell to Richmond, by the James Whitcomb Riley (Newport News section) cancellation on June 14, 1976, from May 1, 1971.The James Whitcomb Riley had connected Cincinnati with Washington and Newport News. 8 miles on RF&P and SCL from AY to FA by the Florida services shifting to the beltway, on November 15, 1975, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Richmond Broad Street
WashingtonMay 1971 routes....580 miles- The Coast Starlight traveled 177 miles south from Seattle into Oregon, and the Empire Builder 424 miles from Seattle east into Idaho, both on BN.Current routes......980 miles- The Coast Starlight runs south from Seattle 177 miles to Oregon while the Empire Builder uses 349 miles to reach Idaho. The Portland Empire Builder uses 369 miles between Portland and Spokane and the Cascades is on 296 miles of BNSF between Oregon and Canada.Abandoned routes...436 miles- 5 miles on BNSF from Everett Jct. along the Everett harbour to Delta Jct, by the Amtrak Cascades reroute during 2002, from July 12, 1972. Station replaced- Everett 135 miles on BN from Pasco through Ritzville to Lakeside Jct, by the Empire Builder reroute on October 28, 1984, from May 1, 1971. 227 miles on BN from Auburn through Yakima to Kennewick, by the Empire Builder reroute on October 27, 1981, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- East Auburn, Ellensburg, Yakima 69 miles on CMSP&P from Black River through Renton to Easton, by the Empire Builder reroute onto BN during April 1978, from December 1977.
West VirginiaMay 1971 routes....218 miles- The National Limited traveled 7 miles across northern West Virginia on Penn Central, while the George Washington used 211 miles of C&O through Charleston. The George Washington is now the Cardinal.Current routes......297 miles- The Capitol Limited uses 86 miles through Martinsburg, and the Cardinal serves Charleston on a 211 mile route, both on CSX.Abandoned routes...345 miles- 148 miles on B&O from Ohio through Clarksburg to Maryland, by the Shenandoah cancellation on September 30, 1981, from September 8, 1971. The Shenandoah connected Cincinnati and Washington, DC. Timetable Stations dropped- Keyser, Rowlesburg, Grafton, Clarksburg, Parkersburg 7 miles on Conrail from Ohio (near Weirton) to Pennsylvania, by the National Limited cancellation on October 1, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The National Limited operated between Kansas City, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, New York and Washington, DC. 190 miles on N&W from Kenova through Williamson to Virginia, by the Hilltopper cancellation on September 30, 1979, from March 25, 1975. The Hilltopper continued east through Roanoke to Washington, DC. Stations dropped- Narrows, Bluefield, Welch WV, Williamson WV
WisconsinMay 1971 routes....235 miles- The Empire Builder traveled 235 miles between Minnesota and Illinois on the CMSP&P.Current routes......235 miles- The Empire Builder travels 235 miles between Minnesota and Illinois on Canadian Pacific.Abandoned routes... 55 miles- 32 miles on WSOR from Janesville to Illinois, by the Lake Country Limited cancellation on September 22, 2001, from April 15, 2000. The Lake Country Limited connected Janesville and Chicago. Stations dropped- Lake Geneva, Janesville 22 miles on BN from Minnesota through Superior to Minnesota, by the North Star cancellation on April 7, 1985, from April 15, 1975. The North Star connected Minneapolis and Duluth. Station dropped- Superior 1 mile on BN from Superior to Minnesota, by North Star reroute on June 1, 1984, from February 15, 1977.Non Amtrak...........205 miles- 85 miles on Soo Line from Rhinelander through Wisconsin Jct to Michigan, by the mixed train service cancellation on September 20, 1986. 179 miles on Soo Line from Neenah through Wisconsin Jct to Michigan, by the mixed train service cancellation on September 20, 1986.
WyomingMay 1971 routes....447 miles- The San Francisco Zephyr traveled 447 miles between Utah and Colorado on Union Pacific through Wyoming. The San Francisco Zephyr was renamed California Zephyr and was rerouted through Colorado.Current routes.........0 miles- Amtrak has not served Wyoming since May 11, 1997.Abandoned routes...452 miles- 437 miles on UP from Utah through Laramie to Colorado, by the Pioneer cancellation on May 11, 1997, from May 1, 1971. The Pioneer connected Seattle and Denver, and combined with the California Zephyr to reach Chicago. Stations dropped- Evanston, Green River, Rock Springs, Rawlins, Laramie, Borie 15 miles on UP from Borie through Cheyenne to Speer, by the San Francisco Zephyr reroute on October 27, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Cheyenne
District of ColumbiaMay 1971 routesi.......8 miles- 2 miles south to Virginia and 6 miles north to Maryland, used by numerous trains. Current routesi........13 miles- 2 miles south to Virginia and 6 miles north to Maryland, used by numerous trains, and the Capitol Limited, 6 miles west into Maryland. Abandoned routes......0 miles-
CanadaMay 1971 routes.......0 miles-....Amtrak did not begin service into Canada until July 17, 1972.Current routes......168 miles-....The Cascades runs 36 miles to Vancouver, BC, the Maple Leaf uses 83 miles from New York State to Toronto, and the Adirondack has 49 miles in Quebec to Montreal.Abandoned routes 550 miles-....180 miles on CN from the border at Sarnia ON to Bathurst St, Toronto, by the ......International cancellation on April 23, 2004, from October 31, 1982. The International operated between Chicago and Toronto. Stations dropped- Sarnia, Strathroy, London, St.Marys, Stratford, Kitchener, Guelph, Georgetown, Brampton 7 miles on CN from the Border to Cantic PQ, by the Montrealer cancellation on April 1, 1995, from September 29, 1972. The Montrealer operated between Washington, DC, and Montreal.....77 miles on CN from London Jct. ON to Bayview ON, Toronto, by the International......reroute on January 23, 1990, from October 31, 1982. The International operated between Chicago and Toronto. Stations dropped- Ingersoll, Woodstock, Brantford, Dundas 43 miles on CP and NJ (D&H) from Rouses Point to Windsor Station, Montreal by the Adirondack reroute on January 12, 1986, from August 6, 1974. Station dropped- Windsor Station....229 miles on Conrail from Windsor ON to Niagara Falls ON by the Niagara Rainbow cancellation on April 28, 1979, from October 31, 1974. The Niagara Rainbow connected Detroit and New York. Timetable Stations dropped- St. Thomas, Windsor....14 miles on Conrail from Brookfield ON to Fort Erie ON by the Empire State Express reroute on October 28, 1978, from October 31, 1974. The Empire State Express ran between Detroit and New York, and became the Niagara Rainbow.
New MexicoMay 1971 routes....600 miles- The Super Chief was on the ATSF for 430 miles and the Sunset Limited rode 170 miles of Southern Pacific crossing New Mexico.Current routes......600 miles- The Super Chief is now the Southwest Chief, and the 430 miles are now part of BNSF. The Sunset Limited 170 mile route is on Union Pacific's Sunset Route.Abandoned routes.....0 miles-
New YorkMay 1971 routes....499 miles- The Northeast Corridor stretched 31 miles between New Jersey and Connecticut through New York City, and hosted numerous trains. Amtrak also used the Lake Shore route for 457 miles between New York City and Buffalo.Current routes......777 miles- The Northeast Corridor remains busy on its 31 miles in the State. The Lake Shore Limited now runs west into Pennsylvania, 504 miles from New York City, longer than the 461 miles to Niagara Falls used by the Maple Leaf. Running north of Albany are the Adirondack (332 miles) and the Ethan Allen Express (224 miles), while east from Albany into Massachusetts is the Boston Lake Shore Limited on another 38 miles.Abandoned routes....78 miles- 10 miles on MNCR from Spuyten Duyvil to Grand Central Terminal, by the Empire Service reroute on April 7, 1991, from May 1, 1971. Penn Station became Amtrak's only station in New York City. Station dropped- Grand Central Terminal 10 miles on Conrail from Castleton Jct. to Post Road, by the Lake Shore Limited reroute on October 28, 1979, from October 31, 1975. The shorter direct line between Albany and Post Road is still in use. 13 miles on Conrail from Hoffmans to Carmans, by the Lake Shore Limited reroute on April 29, 1979, from March 1, 1972. 1 mile on Conrail from Ontario to Black Rock, by the Niagara Rainbow cancellation on October 29, 1978, from October 31, 1974. The Niagara Rainbow connected Detroit and New York. 33 miles on D&H from Ballston Lake to Albany, by the Adirondack reroute through Schenectady on October 29, 1976, from August 6, 1974. 11 miles on Penn Central from Mott Haven to New Rochelle, used by trains running from Grand Central Terminal to New England. All service to New England was consolidated into Penn Station later in 1971, from May 1, 1971.
North CarolinaMay 1971 routes....349 miles- The Silver Star was on Seaboard Coast Line for 168 miles through Columbia while the Champion and the Silver Meteor were on SCL's coastal route through Charleston for 181 miles.Current routes......569 miles- The Crescent travels between New York and New Orleans on Norfolk Southern, 182 miles of which is in the State. The Silver Meteor, Palmetto and Auto Train are on the 181 mile coastal route and the Silver Star rides 224 miles through Raleigh. Between Charlotte, Selma and Rocky Mount, the Carolinian travels 288 miles across North Carolina.Abandoned routes....64 miles- 64 miles on CSX from Virginia to Raleigh, by the Silver Star reroute through Selma on October 26, 1986, from May 1, 1971.Non Amtrak...........139 miles- 139 miles on Southern Railway from Salisbury to Asheville, by the Asheville Special cancellation on August 8, 1975.
North DakotaMay 1971 routes....430 miles- The Empire Builder's 430 mile route across the State passed through Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo. Current routes......424 miles- The Empire Builder continues to use the same 424 miles of BNSF between Montana and Minnesota. Abandoned routes..373 miles- 367 miles on Burlington Northern from Montana through Bismarck to Minnesota, by the North Coast Hiawatha cancellation on October 7, 1979, from June 5, 1971. Stations dropped- Dickinson, Mandan, Bismarck, Jamestown, Fargo 6 miles on BN from Minnesota through Wahpeton to Minnesota, by the Empire Builder reroute through Staples on October 2, 1979, from May 1, 1971.
OhioMay 1971 routes.....529 miles- Ohio was originally crossed by the Broadway Limited, 251 miles on the former PRR through Mansfield, and the National Limited, also on the former PRR for 256 miles through Columbus. The James Whitcomb Riley rode on 20 miles from Indiana while the George Washington came in on 2 miles from Kentucky to meet in Cincinnati.Current routes.......381 miles- The Lake Shore Limited rides on the former NYC route for 243 miles through Cleveland. The Capitol Limited route is 262 miles, also through Cleveland. The Cardinal replaced the James Whitcomb Riley and the George Washington, running 48 miles through Cincinnati. Abandoned routes.1,116 miles- 245 miles on CSX from Indiana through Akron to Pennsylvania, by the Chicago-New York Three Rivers cancellation on March 7, 2005, from November 11, 1990. Stations dropped- Fostoria, Akron, Youngstown 8 miles on Conrail from Toledo to Michigan, by the Lake Cities, rerouted on April 1, 1995, from August 3, 1980. The Lakes Cities changed from a Chicago-Detroit-Toledo train to run Chicago-Detroit-Pontiac. 1 mile on Conrail and CSX from River Road to CT Jct, by the Cardinal, rerouted on July 29, 1991, from May 1, 1971, as Amtrak returned to Cincinnati Union Terminal. Station dropped- Cincinnati River Road 217 miles on Conrail from Indiana through Crestline to Alliance, by the Broadway Limited and Capitol Limited, rerouted on November 12, 1990, from May 1, 1971. The Broadway Limited moved onto CSX while the Capitol Limited was routed through Cleveland. Stations dropped- Lima, Crestline, Canton 188 miles on B&O from Cincinnati through Chillicothe to West Virginia, by the Cincinnati-Washington Shenandoah cancellation on September 30, 1981, from October 31, 1976. Timetable Stations dropped- Athens, Chillicothe 256 miles on Conrail from Indiana through Columbus to West Virginia, by the Kansas City-New York National Limited cancellation on October 1, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Timetable Stations dropped- Dayton, Columbus 35 miles on C&O from Indiana to Cincinnati, by the Cardinal, rerouted onto the B&O on July 17, 1978, from August 1, 1974. 69 miles on Penn Central (NYC) from Dayton to Columbus, by the National Limited, rerouted during 1975, from May 1, 1971. This was an alternate route to the parallel Penn Central (PRR) route. 57 miles on Penn Central from Indiana through Hamilton to Norwood, by the Chicago-Cincinnati James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. 19 miles on Penn Central from Indiana to River Road, by the James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted on October 16, 1973, from May 1, 1971. The new route stayed on Penn Central, but on former PRR rather than former NYC rails. 21 miles on Penn Central from Berea to Quaker, by the Lake Shore, rerouted on December 31, 1971, from May 10, 1971. Amtrak pulled out of Cleveland Union Terminal, due to high rent, and the original Lake Shore stopped at a road crossing during the last 5 days it operated. Station dropped- Cleveland Union TerminalNon Amtrak............66 miles- 66 miles on Conrail (Erie Lackawanna) from Union Terminal in Cleveland to Youngstown, on January 14, 1977.
OklahomaMay 1971 routes.....248 miles- The Texas Chief used 248 miles of the ATSF between Kansas and Texas through Oklahoma City. Current routes.......134 miles- The Heartland Flyer operates from Oklahoma City south 134 miles to Texas on BNSF's mainline. Abandoned routes...114 miles- 114 miles on ATSF from Oklahoma City to Kansas, by the Lone Star cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Lone Star replaced the Chicago-Houston Texas Chief. Timetable Stations dropped- Ponca City, Perry, Guthrie
OregonMay 1971 routes.....348 miles- The Coast Starlight used 348 miles of Southern Pacific and Burlington Northern through Oregon between Washington and California. Current routes.......348 miles- The Coast Starlight uses Union Pacific south of Portland, and the northern part of its 348 mile route north of Portland for 9 miles to Washington State is shared with the Portland Empire Builder, on BNSF. The Cascades also use the same route for 133 miles north of Eugene. Abandoned routes....403 miles- 403 miles on Union Pacific from Portland through Pendleton to Idaho, by the Seattle-Denver Pioneer cancellation on May 11, 1997, from June 7, 1977. Stations dropped- Hood River, The Dalles, Hinkle, Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, Ontario
PennsylvaniaMay 1971 routes....531 miles- The Broadway Limited (476 miles) and the National Limited (463 miles) ran across the State, while the Northeast Corridor consisted of 49 miles of the Penn Central through Philadelphia. Current routes......641 miles- The Lake Shore Limited is on 43 miles through the northwest corner of the State, the Capitol Limited route is 196 miles through Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvanian runs across the State on 385 miles. Several trains use the Northeast Corridor through Philadelphia for 49 miles. Abandoned routes. .167 miles- 28 miles on CSX and NS from Ohio through New Castle to New Brighton, by the Three Rivers cancellation on March 7, 2005, from October 30, 1994. 2 miles on Conrail from Frankfort Jct. to New Jersey, by the Atlantic City Express cancellation on April 1, 1995, from May 21, 1989. 58 miles on CSX from New Castle to Pittsburgh, by the Broadway Limited, rerouted onto Conrail on October 30, 1994, from November 11, 1990. 4 miles on SEPTA from Philadelphia to the International Airport, by the Atlantic City Express route change on January 8, 1991, from June 1, 1990. The Atlantic City Express continued to run between downtown Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Station dropped- Philadelphia Airport 34 miles on Conrail from West Virginia to Pittsburgh, by the National Limited cancellation on October 1, 1979, from May 1, 1971. 41 miles on Conrail from Royalton to Maryland, by the National Limited, (Washington section) rerouted through Philadelphia on October 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971.
Rhode IslandMay 1971 routes......51 miles- Amtrak had several trains running through the State on the Northeast Corridor. Current routes........51 miles- The 51 miles of the Northeast Corridor through Rhode Island are now electrified and carry Regional service and the Acela trains. Abandoned routes......0 miles-
South CarolinaMay 1971 routesi....422 miles- The Silver Star was on Seaboard Coast Line for 202 miles through Columbia while the Champion and the Silver Meteor were on SCL's coastal route through Charleston for 220 miles. Current routesi......545 miles- The Crescent route through the State is on 123 miles of Norfolk Southern, while the Silver Star is still on the 202 mile CSX line through Columbia. The Palmetto, Silver Meteor and Auto Train ride 220 miles of the parallel route through Charleston. Abandoned routes......3 miles- 3 miles on CSX through Columbia from North to South, by the Silver Star reroute, during 1993 (?). Station dropped- Columbia (SAL)
MassachusettsMay 1971 routes......41 miles- When Amtrak began, the only service in the Commonwealth was on Penn Central, 36 miles on the Northeast Corridor to Boston and an additional 5 miles to Springfield from New Haven.Current routes......282 miles- The 36 miles of the Northeast Corridor in Massachusetts are now electrified, allowing the Acelas into Boston. The Boston section of the Lake Shore Limited travels 161 across the State, while the Vermonter travels another 65 on a north-south route. Service between Boston and Maine is now handled by the Downeaster for 36 miles.Abandoned routes...132 miles- 64 miles on Conrail and Bay Colony from Attleboro to Hyannis, by the Cape Codder cancellation on September 2, 1996, from June 29, 1986. Stations dropped- Taunton, Wareham, Buzzards Bay, Sandwich, West Barnstable, Hyannis 9 miles on New England Central from Palmer to Connecticut, by the Montrealer cancellation on April 2, 1995, from July 18, 1989. The Vermonter replaced the Montrealer north of Palmer. 9 miles on Conrail from Readville to South Station, by the Northeast Corridor reroute on October 5, 1987, from 1981. The north end of the Northeast Corridor was undergoing reconstruction during this time. 50 miles on Boston and Maine from Springfield to East Northfield, by the Montrealer temporary cancellation and reroute on April 6, 1987, from September 29, 1972. Station dropped- Northampton
MichiganMay 1971 routes....220 miles- The Wolverine and the St. Clair traveled 220 miles as part of their Chicago-Detroit route.Current routes......520 miles- Michigan now has the Wolverine (244 miles) to Pontiac, the Blue Water (260 miles) to Port Huron, and the Pere Marquette (117 miles) to Grand Rapids.Abandoned routes....50 miles- 1 mile on CN from Port Huron to Canada, by the International cancellation on April 23, 2004, from October 31, 1982. The International operated between Chicago and Toronto. 47 miles on Conrail from West Detroit to Ohio, by the Lake Cities, rerouted on April 1, 1995, from August 3, 1980. The Lakes Cities changed from a Chicago-Detroit-Toledo train to run Chicago-Detroit-Pontiac. 1 mile on Conrail from Detroit to Detroit, by the Wolverine and Twilight Limited reroutes on May 4, 1994, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Detroit (Rose Street) Amtrak used Michigan Central Station until January 6, 1988. 1 mile on Conrail from Detroit to Canada by the Niagara Rainbow cancellation on April 28, 1979, from October 31, 1974. The Niagara Rainbow connected Detroit and New York.Non Amtrak...........191 miles- 191 miles on Soo Line from Sault Ste Marie to Wisconsin, by the mixed train service cancellation on September 20, 1986. This service split in Wisconsin, going to Neenah and Rhinelander.
MinnesotaMay 1971 routes....382 miles- The Empire Builder used 382 miles of Burlington Northern (previously Great Northern) and Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific trackage. Current routes......380 miles- The Empire Builder now uses BNSF's former Northern Pacific line between the Twin Cities and Fargo, resulting in a shorter 380 mile line across Minnesota. East of the Twin Cities, the route remains on CP's former CMSP&P line.Abandoned routes..373 miles- 118 miles on BN from Coon Creek through Superior to Duluth, by the North Star cancellation on April 7, 1985, from April 15, 1975. The North Star connected Minneapolis and Duluth. Timetable Stations dropped- Cambridge, Sandstone, Duluth 1 mile on BN from Wisconsin to Duluth, by the North Star reroute through Grassy Point on June 1, 1984, from February 15, 1977. 1 mile on BN from North Dakota to Moorhead, by the North Coast Hiawatha cancellation on October 7, 1979, from June 5, 1971. 243 miles on BN from Moorhead through Willmar to Minneapolis, by the Empire Builder reroute through Staples on October 2, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Breckenridge, Morris, Willmar 7 miles on BN from Union Jct. to Division St, by the Empire Builder and North Coast Hiawatha reroute through Midway Station on February 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971. 3 miles on BN from Minneapolis over the Stone Arch Bridge to Minneapolis, by the Empire Builder and North Coast Hiawatha reroute on February 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Minneapolis (GN)Non Amtrak............44 miles- 44 miles on Canadian National from Longworth to Baudette, by the VIA Rail Canada trains 686/687 cancellation on May 23, 1977. These operated between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario with Budd RDCs.
MississippiMay 1971 routes....295 miles- The City of New Orleans between Memphis and New Orleans was on 295 miles of Illinois Central.Current routes......478 miles- The City of New Orleans uses 305 miles of Canadian National while the Crescent uses 173 miles of Norfolk Southern.Abandoned routes..275 miles- 75 miles on CSX from Louisiana through Biloxi to Alabama, by the Sunset Limited suspension on August 28, 2005, from April 29, 1984. Stations dropped- Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula 200 miles on Illinois Central from Tennessee through Grenada to Jackson, by the City of New Orleans reroute on September 10, 1995, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Batesville, Grenada, Winona, Durant, Canton
MissouriMay 1971 routes....482 miles- The Super Chief and the Texas Chief were on the ATSF between Kansas City and Iowa for 201 miles. The Abraham Lincoln and the Prairie State reached St. Louis from Merchants Bridge, 4 miles, and the National Limited ran across the State for 283 miles from Kansas City through St. Louis to the east coast.Current routes......667 miles- The Southwest Chief was the Super Chief, and uses the same 201 mile route. The Texas Eagle runs 193 miles south from St. Louis into Arkansas, while the Ann Rutledge and the Kansas City, St. Louis Mules cross the State on 282 miles of line. Lincoln Service comes in from Illinois over MacArthur Bridge and Merchants Bridge, 4 miles.Abandoned routes.....2 miles- 1 mile on Burlington Northern from West Quincy to Illinois, by the Illinois Zephyr shortening the route to Quincy, Illinois on May 1, 1994, from November 14, 1971. Station dropped- West Quincy 1 mile on TRRA from St. Louis to Illinois, by the National Limited reroute off of Eads Bridge and onto MacArthur Bridge during 1974, from May 1, 1971. St. Louis Union Station was last used on October 31, 1978, by a Chicago bound Inter-American.
MontanaMay 1971 routes....668 miles- The Empire Builder was on the former Great Northern mainline for 668 miles across the northern part of the State.Current routes......668 miles- The Empire Builder uses the same 668 mile route between Idaho and North Dakota as it did during 1971.Abandoned routes..774 miles- 774 miles on Burlington Northern from Idaho through Billings to Montana, by the North Coast Hiawatha cancellation on October 7, 1979, from June 5, 1971. Stations dropped- Paradise, Missoula, Deer Lodge, Butte, Bozeman, Livingston, Billings, Forsyth, Miles City, Glendive
NebraskaMay 1971 routes....387 miles- The San Francisco Zephyr rode on 387 miles of Burlington Northern, part of its route between Oakland and Chicago.Current routes......387 miles- The California Zephyr, although renamed, remains on the same 387 mile route, which is now BNSF.Abandoned routes...0.3 miles- 0 miles on BN and UP from Omaha to Iowa by the San Francisco Zephyr reroute back through Oreapolis, on April 25, 1982, from May 1, 1971.
NevadaMay 1971 routes....432 miles- The San Francisco Zephyr was on 432 miles across northern Nevada.Current routes.......465 miles- The California Zephyr, formerly the San Francisco Zephyr, 465 milesAbandoned routes...212 miles- 212 miles on UP from California through Las Vegas to Utah by the Desert Wind cancellation on May 12, 1997, from October 28, 1979. The Desert Wind operated between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, connecting to Chicago. Stations dropped- Las Vegas, Caliente 67 miles on SP from Alazon to Utah by the California Zephyr reroute on October 30, 1983, from May 1, 1971. The new route went south of the Great Salt Lake rather than across it.
New HampshireMay 1971 routes.......0 miles-Current routes........60 miles- The Vermonter runs through the State for 25 miles and the Downeaster has another 35 miles between Massachusetts and Maine.Abandoned routes.....0 miles-
New JerseyMay 1971 routes......57 miles- The Northeast Corridor between New York City and Philadelphia carried a number of Amtrak trains on 57 miles in the State.Current routes........57 miles- Amtrak's Northeast Corridor across New Jersey remains the busiest part of the system.Abandoned routes....58 miles- 58 miles on Conrail and NJT from Pennsylvania to Atlantic City, by the Atlantic City Express cancellation on April 1, 1995, from May 21, 1989. Stations dropped- Lindenwold, Atlantic City
HawaiiMay 1971 routes.......0 miles-Current routes.........0 miles-Abandoned routes.....0 miles- Hawaii, along with Alaska and South Dakota, has never been served by Amtrak.
IdahoMay 1971 routes.....102 miles- The Empire Builder traveled across the State on 102 miles of Burlington Northern through Sandpoint.Current routes.......102 miles- The Empire Builder remains on the same 102 mile route, now owned by BNSF.Abandoned routes...426 miles- 392 miles on Union Pacific from Oregon through Boise to Utah, by the Seattle-Denver Pioneer cancellation on May 11, 1997, from June 7, 1977. Stations dropped- Nampa, Boise, Shoshone, Pocatello 34 miles on Burlington Northern from Sandpoint to Montana, by the North Coast Hiawatha cancellation on October 7, 1979, from June 5, 1971.
IllinoisMay 1971 routes..1,321 miles- Chicago has always been the center of Amtrak's system, with services radiating in all directions. Initially this included the Empire Builder (48 miles) into Wisconsin, the San Francisco Zephyr (204 miles) and the Super Chief and Texas Chief (231 miles) into Iowa. Heading for St. Louis were the Abraham Lincoln and Prairie State (278 miles), while the City of New Orleans ran south 361 miles into Kentucky. Traveling east into Indiana were the Wolverine, St. Clair and Broadway Limited 14, along with the James Whitcomb Riley and South Wind (88 miles). One train that did not serve Chicago was the National Limited, which had a 157 route across the State. Current routes....1,066 miles- Illinois is served by the State supported Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandberg (258 miles), the Illini and Saluki (310 miles), and Lincoln Service (278 miles). Other Midwestern trains operating in Illinois include the Hiawatha (48 miles), the Wolverine, Blue Water and Pere Marquette (14 miles), and the Hoosier State (26 miles). Several long distance trains run out of Chicago. These are the Empire Builder (48 miles), California Zephyr (204 miles), Southwest Chief (216 miles), Texas Eagle (278 miles), City of New Orleans (362 miles), Lake Shore Limited (14 miles), Capitol Limited (14 miles) and the Cardinal (26 miles).Abandoned routes.1,041 miles- 34 miles on WSOR and METRA from Rondout to Wisconsin, by the Lake Country Limited cancellation on September 22, 2001, from April 15, 2000. The Lake Country Limited connected Janesville and Chicago. 182 miles on BNSF from Chicago to Cameron, by the Southwest Chief reroute on July 31, 1996, from May 1, 1971. The Southwest Chief now uses the former BN rather than ATSF between Chicago and Galesburg. Stations dropped- Galesburg(ATSF), Chillicothe, Streator 3 miles on Burlington Northern from Quincy to Missouri, by the Illinois Zephyr route change on May 1, 1994, from November 14, 1971. The Illinois Zephyr had terminated in West Quincy, Missouri. 61 miles on TRRA, A&S and NS from East St. Louis to Centralia, by the River Cities cancellation on November 4, 1993, from April 29, 1984. Station dropped- Belleville 12 miles on Conrail from Colehour to Indiana, by the Cardinal/Hoosier State reroute on June 30, 1993, from January 23, 1972. The route now goes through Dolton. 38 miles on NS from Tolono to Decatur, by the Illini route change on July 10, 1983, from July 2, 1981. The Illini switched from Chicago-Decatur to Chicago-Carbondale Station dropped- Decatur 45 miles on TP&W from Chenoa to East Peoria, by the Prairie Marksman cancellation on October 4, 1981, from August 10, 1980. Station dropped- East Peoria 178 miles on Illinois Central Gulf from Chicago to Iowa by the Black Hawk cancellation on September 30, 1981, from February 14, 1974. The Black Hawk ran between Dubuque and Chicago. Timetable Stations dropped- Elmhurst, Rockford, Freeport, Warren, Galena, East Dubuque 156 miles on Conrail from East St. Louis through Vandalia to Indiana, by the Kansas City-New York National Limited cancellation on October 1, 1979, from May 1, 1971. 10 miles on the Chicago and Western Indiana from 87th Street to State Line, by the James Whitcomb Riley reroute onto B&O on June 12, 1977, from August 1, 1974. 109 miles on UP and L&N from Thornton to Indiana, by the Floridian reroute on April 26, 1975, from August 1, 1974. The new route was through Louisville rather than Evansville. 1 mile on TRRA from Missouri to East St. Louis, by the National Limited reroute off of Eads Bridge and onto MacArthur Bridge during 1974, from May 1, 1971. 33 miles on Penn Central from Kankakee to Indiana, by the James Whitcomb Riley reroute on October 16, 1973, from May 1, 1971. 178 miles on Penn Central from Lenox to Indiana, a secondary route used by the National Limited until 1973, from May 1, 1971. 1 mile on Illinois Central from Chicago (South Wye) to Chicago (Central Station), by the City of New Orleans reroute to Union Station on March 6, 1972, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- Chicago Central StationNon Amtrak...........228 miles- 181 miles on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, from LaSalle Street Station in Chicago through Bureau to Rock Island, by the Quad City Rocket cancellation on January 1, 1979. 161 miles on the CRI&P, from Chicago through Bureau to Peoria, by the Peoria Rocket cancellation on January 1, 1979.
IndianaMay 1971 routes....648 miles- Indiana hosted several trains from Chicago back in 1971. These included the Wolverine and St. Clair (45 miles) to Detroit, the Broadway Limited (154 miles) to New York, the James Whitcomb Riley (196 miles) to Cincinnati, and the South Wind (217 miles) to Florida. Another route was the National Limited (151 miles) between Kansas City and the East Coast. Current routes......448 miles- Amtrak now has the Wolverine and Blue Water (45 miles), and the Pere Marquette (46 miles) to Michigan, and the Hoosier State (169 miles) to Indianapolis. Long distance trains crossing the State are the Lake Shore Limited (155 miles), the Capitol Limited (155 miles) and the Cardinal (254 miles).Abandoned routes.1,708 miles- 138 miles on CSX from Pine Jct. to Ohio, by the Chicago-New York Three Rivers cancellation on March 7, 2005, from November 11, 1990. Station dropped- Nappanee 115 miles on Louisville and Indiana from Indianapolis to Kentucky, by the Kentucky Cardinal cancellation on July 6, 2003, from May 1, 1971. The Kentucky Cardinal was an extension of the Hoosier State to Louisville. Station dropped- Jeffersonville 1 mile on Conrail from Illinois to Maynard, by the Cardinal/Hoosier State reroute on June 30, 1993, from January 23, 1972. 21 miles on Conrail from Pine Jct. to Valparaiso, by the Calumet cancellation on May 3, 1991, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Whiting, Indiana Harbor, Gary (5th Street), Gary (Broadway), Hobart, Wheeler, Valparaiso 124 miles on Conrail from Valparaiso through Fort Wayne to Ohio, by the Broadway Limited and Capitol Limited, rerouted on November 12, 1990, from May 1, 1971. The Broadway Limited moved onto CSX while the Capitol Limited was routed through Cleveland. Stations dropped- Warsaw, Fort Wayne 173 miles on L&N from Crawfordsville through Bloomington to Kentucky, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from April 27, 1975. Timetable Station dropped- Bloomington 211 miles on Conrail from Illinois to Indianapolis (ex PRR), Terre Haute to Indianapolis (ex NYC), and Indianapolis to Ohio (ex PRR), by the Kansas City-New York National Limited cancellation on October 1, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Timetable Stations dropped- Terre Haute, Richmond 191 miles on C&O from La Crosse to Ohio, by the Cardinal, rerouted through Indianapolis rather than Marion on July 17, 1978, from August 1, 1974. Stations dropped- Muncie, Peru 15 miles on B&O from Wellsboro to La Crosse, by the Cardinal, rerouted through Indianapolis rather than Marion on July 17, 1978, from June 12, 1977. 36 miles on the Erie Lackawanna and Chesapeake and Ohio from State Line to La Crosse, by the James Whitcomb Riley reroute onto B&O on June 12, 1977, from August 1, 1974. 172 miles on L&N from Illinois through Evansville to Kentucky, by the Floridian reroute through Louisville on April 26, 1975, from August 1, 1974. Station dropped- Evansville 158 miles on Penn Central from Maynard through Logansport to Clermont, by the Floridian and James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto L&N and C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. Station dropped- Logansport 61 miles on Penn Central from Logansport to Anderson, by the Floridian and James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto L&N and C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. (alternate route) 28 miles on Penn Central from Lebanon to Indianapolis, by the Floridian and James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto L&N and C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. (alternate route) 85 miles on Penn Central from Indianapolis through Anderson to Richmond, by the James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. (alternate route) 4 miles on Penn Central from Richmond to Ohio, by the Chicago-Cincinnati James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted onto C&O on August 1, 1974, from October 16, 1973. 167 miles on Penn Central from Illinois through Lafayette to Lebanon, and Indianapolis through Greensburg to Ohio, by the James Whitcomb Riley, rerouted on October 16, 1973, from May 1, 1971. The new route used the former PRR rather than former NYC line. 8 miles on Penn Central from Illinois to Terre Haute, a secondary route used by the National Limited until 1973, from May 1, 1971.
IowaMay 1971 routes....294 miles- The San Francisco Zephyr crossed the southern part of the State on 274 miles of Burlington Northern, and the Super Chief and Texas Chief used 20 miles of ATSF through Fort Madison.Current routes......294 miles- The California Zephyr, previously the San Francisco Zephyr, and the Southwest Chief, previously the Super Chief, use the same routes they did during 1971. Abandoned routes....22 miles- 21 miles on BN and UP from Pacific Jct. to Nebraska by the San Francisco Zephyr reroute back through Oreapolis, on April 25, 1982, from May 1, 1971. 1 mile on Illinois Central Gulf from Dubuque to Illinois by the Black Hawk cancellation on September 30, 1981, from February 14, 1974. The Black Hawk ran between Dubuque and Chicago. Timetable Station dropped- Dubuque
KansasMay 1971 routes....652 miles- Amtrak used the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe for both of their routes in Kansas. The Super Chief was on 457 miles, and the Texas Chief was on 282 miles, with both routes sharing a segment between Emporia and Newton.Current routes......470 miles- The Southwest Chief, formerly the Super Chief, is now the State's only service, crossing Kansas on 470 miles of BNSF.Abandoned routes..182 miles- 84 miles on ATSF from Newton to Oklahoma, by the Lone Star cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Lone Star replaced the Chicago-Houston Texas Chief. Timetable Stations dropped- Wichita, Arkansas City 98 miles on ATSF from Holliday through Ottawa to Emporia, by the Southwest Limited reroute through Topeka on October 8, 1979, from May 1, '71. The Southwest Limited replaced the Chicago-Los Angeles Super Chief.
KentuckyMay 1971 routes....340 miles- Back in 1971, Kentucky hosted Amtrak's The City of New Orleans for 43 miles on Illinois Central, the George Washington on 150 miles of the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the South Wind on 147 miles of Louisville and Nashville.Current routes......193 miles- The City of New Orleans rides 43 miles of Canadian National, and the Cardinal, originally the George Washington, is on 150 miles of CSX.Abandoned routes..251 miles- 2 miles on Louisville and Indiana from Indiana to Louisville, by the Kentucky Cardinal cancellation on July 6, 2003, from May 1, 1971. The Kentucky Cardinal was an extension of the Hoosier State to Louisville. Station dropped- Louisville 145 miles on L&N from Louisville through Bowling Green to Tennessee, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Timetable Station dropped- Bowling Green 6 miles on K&IT from Indiana to Louisville, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from April 27, 1975. 98 miles on L&N from Indiana through Hopkinsville to Tennessee, by the Floridian reroute on April 27, 1975, from August 1, 1974. The South Wind, later renamed the Floridian, and ran between Chicago and Florida, and detoured onto this new route through Louisville rather than Evansville.
LouisianaMay 1971 routes....328 miles- The Sunset Limited used 247 miles of Southern Pacific while the City of New Orleans used 88 miles of Illinois Central.Current routes......409 miles- Today's Amtrak network radiating from New Orleans has the Sunset Limited heading 247 miles west to Texas, the City of New Orleans 88 miles north into Mississippi, and the Crescent 48 miles east into Mississippi as well. Abandoned routes....34 miles- 34 miles on CSX from NOT Jct in New Orleans to Mississippi, by the Sunset Limited suspension on August 28, 2005, from April 29, 1984.
MaineMay 1971 routes.......0 miles-Current routes........45 miles- The Downeaster travels on 45 miles south from Portland.Abandoned routes.....0 miles-Non Amtrak...........201 miles- 201 miles on Canadian Pacific from the Quebec Border to Vanceboro, by the VIA Rail Canada Atlantic cancellation on October 28, 1994. The Atlantic operated between Montreal and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
MarylandMay 1971 routes....104 miles- The key piece of Amtrak's network in Maryland is the Northeast Corridor, 90 miles in length. The Washington sections of the Broadway Limited and the National Limited had a 83 mile route leaving the NEC at Perryville heading to Harrisburg.Current routes......151 miles- The Northeast Corridor sees a large amount of Amtrak traffic on its 90 miles, and the Capitol Limited covers 61 miles on CSX between Washington and Pennsylvania.Abandoned routes....74 miles- 59 miles on B&O from Cumberland to West Virginia, by the Shenandoah cancellation on September 30, 1981, from September 8, 1971. The Shenandoah connected Cincinnati and Washington, DC. Timetable Station dropped- Oakland 15 miles on Conrail from Perryville to Pennsylvania, by the National Limited, (Washington section) rerouted through Philadelphia on October 28, 1978, from May 1, 1971.
This is meant to be a summary of the the routes previously run by Amtrak are currently not in use. I have included the Sunset Limited route between New Orleans and Jacksonville which has been suspended since Hurricane Katrina. That route may see a return of service, and it would be removed from this summary.
Amtrak took over passenger train service from the railroads on May 1, 1971. A summary of passenger trains operated by the freight railroads on April 30, 1971 can be found here.
The initial Amtrak system consisted of 19,233 route miles, and served 43 of the 50 States. I have a summary of that network which is Amtrak's Original Routes. At this time Amtrak has a system of 21,157 routes miles, serving 46 States. It is covered by Amtrak's Current Routes.
Well over 100 route changes have been made over the past 36 years, adding 15,999 miles and bringing the all-time total to 35,232 route miles. A large number of these changes involved new routes, or the cancellation of routes. Others have involved detouring off of rail lines not required by the freight railroads. The first route change took place on May 10, 1971, by extending a New York to Buffalo run to Chicago and calling it the Lake Shore. The first line abandoned by Amtrak covered 11 miles between Mott Haven and New Rochelle, New York. This took place during 1971 when all service to New England was consolidated into Penn Station. A similar early abandoned line was roughly 1 mile in length on Illinois Central. This lies in Chicago from South Wye to Chicago Central Station, a result of Amtrak consolidating all of their trains to Union Station on March 6, 1972.
Indiana holds the largest total of Amtrak's abandoned routes, 18 segments adding up to 1,708 miles. Ohio comes next, with 11 segments and 1,116 miles, and Illinois with 15 segments and 1,041 miles. Many of these lines result from the Penn Central mess, and the rationalization process that was required to make Conrail profitable.
Several of the distances I've listed will be off by a mile or two, a result of measuring them from maps. I believe this list is complete, but I would appreciate any additions or corrections. I've also added a few routes in red that the freight railroads, or VIA Rail, ran in the USA after May 1, 1971.
I've listed the States by alphabetical order-
AlabamaMay 1971 routes....351 miles- The South Wind, which was later renamed the Floridian, rode 351 miles of the L&N and SCL.Current routes......232 miles- The Crescent route through Birmingham is 232 miles long between Mississippi and Georgia.Abandoned routes..558 miles- 88 miles on CSX from Mississippi through Mobile to Florida, by the Sunset Limited suspension east of New Orleans on August 28, 2005, from April 4, 1993. Stations dropped- Mobile, Atmore 216 miles on CSX from Birmingham through Montgomery to Flomaton, by the Gulf Breeze cancellation on March 31, 1995, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Montgomery, Greenville, Evergreen 112 miles on L&N from Tennessee through Decatur to Birmingham, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Timetable Stations dropped- Decatur 142 miles on SCL from Montgomery through Dothan to Georgia, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Floridian was originally called the South Wind, and operated between Chicago and Florida. Stations dropped- Montgomery, Dothan
AlaskaMay 1971 routes.......0 miles-Current routes.........0 miles-Abandoned routes.....0 miles- Alaska, along with Hawaii and South Dakota, has never been served by Amtrak.
ArizonaMay 1971 routes....816 miles- The Super Chief used 386 miles of the ATSF, serving Flagstaff, while the Sunset Limited used Southern Pacific for 430 miles through Phoenix.Current routes......774 miles- The Southwest Chief continues to use the same 386 mile route, now part of BNSF. The Sunset Limited bypasses to the south of Phoenix, on 388 miles of Union Pacific.Abandoned routes..208 miles- 208 miles on Southern Pacific from Wellton to Picacho, by the Sunset Limited reroute south of Phoenix on June 3, 1996, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Phoenix , Tempe, Coolidge
ArkansasMay 1971 routes.......0 miles- Amtrak did not serve Arkansas until March 13, 1974.Current routes......305 miles- The only Amtrak service in the State is the Texas Eagle, which runs 305 miles through Little Rock.Abandoned routes.....0 miles-
CaliforniaMay 1971 routes.1,654 miles- Amtrak originally served California with a few long distance trains traveling north or east. The Coast Starlight (977 miles) ran between San Diego and Seattle, the San Francisco Zephyr (229 miles) and the Super Chief (321 miles) reached Chicago, while the Sunset Limited (253 miles) went to New Orleans. South of Los Angeles to San Diego also saw the San Diegans (129 miles).Current routes...2,039 miles- The State is still the end point for four long distance train routes. The Coast Starlight now runs 864 miles, the California Zephyr 224 miles, the Southwest Chief 349 miles, and the Sunset Limited 253 miles. In-State service is provided by Pacific Surfliners (232 miles), the San Joaquins (363 miles) and the Capitol Corridor (172 miles).Abandoned routes..342 miles- 44 miles on Union Pacific from Sacramento to El Pinal, by the San Joaquin reroute on March 18, 2002, from August 28, 1999. This former Western Pacific line had been used while the parallel former Southern Pacific line was rebuilt. 129 miles on Union Pacific from Daggett to Nevada, by the Desert Wind cancellation on May 12, 1997, from October 28, 1979. The Desert Wind operated between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, connecting to Chicago. 58 miles on ATSF from Los Angeles through Pasadena to San Bernardino, by the Southwest Chief reroute through Fullerton on January 14, 1994, from May 1, 1971. Stations dropped- Pasadena, Pomona (ATSF) 111 miles on Southern Pacific from Davis to Tehama, by the Coast Starlight reroute through Sacramento on April 25, 1982, from May 1, 1971.
ColoradoMay 1971 routes....448 miles- The San Francisco Zephyr, between Oakland and Chicago, used BN east of Denver and UP north into Wyoming, 267 miles altogether. The Super Chief, between Los Angeles and Chicago, rode on 181 miles of the ATSF through southeast Colorado.Current routes......658 miles- The California Zephyr has a route of 477 miles in the State, as it travels west of Denver into Utah instead of north into Wyoming. The Southwest Chief, previously the Super Chief, remains on the same 181 mile route.Abandoned routes....94 miles- 94 miles on UP from Wyoming to Denver, by the Pioneer cancellation on May 11, 1997, from May 1, 1971. The Pioneer connected Seattle and Denver, and combined with the California Zephyr to reach Chicago. Station dropped- Greeley
ConnecticutMay 1971 routes....162 miles- The Northeast Corridor stretched 115 miles along the Connecticut shore, while the Springfield line was 95 miles through New Haven and Hartford.Current routes......162 miles- The Northeast Corridor now has all 115 miles electrified in the State. The Vermonter travels 95 miles between New York and Massachusetts.Abandoned routes....56 miles- 56 miles on New England Central from New London to Massachusetts, by the Montrealer cancellation on April 2, 1995, from July 18, 1989. The Vermonter replaced the Montrealer running north through Hartford.
DelawareMay 1971 routes......22 miles- The Northeast Corridor runs 22 miles through Wilmington.Current routes........22 miles- The Northeast Corridor remains the only route through Delaware.Abandoned routes......0 miles-
FloridaMay 1971 routes....762 miles- Amtrak started with 6 trains running south from Jacksonville, from New York and Chicago. The Silver Meteor traveled 436 miles to Miami while the Champion went 326 miles to St. Petersburg. The South Wind and the Silver Star split to reach both destinations, 730 miles in the State all together.Current routes......493 miles- The Silver Meteor runs to Miami, 451 miles from the border. The Silver Star has a 535 mile route which uses the 42 miles between Tampa and Auburndale twice. Auto Train travels to Sanford, 165 miles. Abandoned routes..754 miles- 413 miles on CSX from Alabama through Pensacola to Jacksonville, by the Sunset Limited suspension east of New Orleans on August 28, 2005, from April 4, 1993. Stations dropped- Pensacola, Crestview, Chipley, Tallahassee, Madison, Lake City 174 miles on CSX from Baldwin to Lakeland, by the Palmetto route change on November 1, 2004, from May 1, 1971. The Palmetto became a New York to Savannah service, and all Amtrak trains south of Jacksonville now travel through Orlando. Stations dropped- Waldo, Ocala, Wildwood, Dade City 54 miles on CSX from Coleman to Auburndale, by the Silver Meteor reroute on June 11, 1988, from May 1, 1971. 46 miles on Seaboard from Tampa to St. Petersburg, by the Silver Meteor route change on January 31, 1984, from May 1, 1971. St. Petersburg has been served out of the Tampa station since. Stations dropped- Clearwater, St. Petersburg 32 miles on SCL from Georgia to Jacksonville, by the Silver Meteor reroute through Folkston on September 30, 1979, from May 1, 1971. 35 miles on SCL from Gross to Baldwin, by the Silver Meteor reroute on April 27, 1973, from December 17, 1971.
GeorgiaMay 1971 routes....448 miles- The South Wind between Chicago and Florida rode 212 miles of SCL through Valdosta. Amtrak's service between New York and Florida consisted of the Silver Meteor (114 miles), the Champion (126 miles) and the Silver Star (143 miles) which used overlapping SCL routes along the coast.Current routes......307 miles- The Crescent is on 157 miles of Norfolk Southern through Atlanta. On CSX along the coast are the Silver Meteor (126 miles), the Palmetto (14 miles), the Silver Star (143 miles) and Auto Train (126 miles).Abandoned routes..298 miles- 209 miles on SCL from Alabama through Valdosta to Folkston, by the Floridian cancellation on October 8, 1979, from May 1, 1971. The Floridian was originally called the South Wind, and operated between Chicago and Florida. Timetable Stations dropped- Thomasville, Valdosta, Waycross 89 miles on SCL from Richmond Hill to Florida, by the Silver Meteor reroute through Folkston on September 30, 1979, from May 1, 1971. Station dropped- ThalmannNon Amtrak...........305 miles- 170 miles on Seaboard System from Atlanta (Hulsey Yard) to Augusta, by the mixed train service cancellation on May 6, 1983. These trains were inherited from the Georgia Railroad. 79 miles on Seaboard System from Camak to Macon, by the mixed train cancellation on April 29, 1983. 39 miles on Seaboard System from Union Point to Athens, by the mixed train cancellation on April 29, 1983. 17 miles on Seaboard System from Barnett to Washington, by the mixed train cancellation on April 29, 1983.
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