Raton Pass Fire Affecting Southwest Chief

[Anonymous]

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/weather/wildfires/wildfire-closes-i25-over-raton-pass

Word is that #4 is being detoured via Amarillo.

 

[Anonymous]

More on the Raton Pass fire:

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2152812.shtml?cat=500

 

[schlimm]

In the past there have been stories/rumors that BNSF might want to close the Raton line, as it sees far less freight traffic than the Amarillo route.  Might this affect a decision?

[jrbernier]

  My understanding is that BNSF does not run any freight traffic over the line.  The line was 'sold' the state of NM several years ago, but NM now wants out of the last part of the purchase.  Amtrak pays for all of the maintenance costs for operation over the line.

Jim

[chief1385]

Trains 3 and 4 are being re-routed via the Transcon.  5 bridges between Raton and Wooten have burned. BNSF inspected 2 of the 5 so far and reported that they did burn but would still be okay for Amtrak at a reduced speed. I don't know what that would be since the speed there is only 25 now. The powers that be are trying to blame Amtrak for the fire. Interviewing the last crew through the pass and requiring all the maint. records of the equipment. Tommorow re-route as well

[DaveVan51]

I just went through Raton Pass in April and May on the Chief. A great trip, if slow, but glad I was able to make the trip. Hope they don't abandon it now. Thanks for posting.

[chief1385]

still no word on the other 3 bridges. Re-route Tue and Wed for now

[chief1385]

Still no word on the other 3 bridges. Re-route to continue through Wed for now

[Sawtooth500]

I'm going to Lamy on Thursday so I hope it's open by then! :) If not I get to ride the NM Rail Runner.... which would be a nice little bonus. 

[conrailman]

I hope BNSF Railroad should not blame Amtrak for the Fire on Raton Pass.

[Sawtooth500]

How in the world could Amtrak be responsible for this fire? Last I checked there were no coal-burners on Amtrak's roster.... hehe

And if a bridge needed repair - can BNSF force Amtrak to pay for it or could BNSF get away with just letting the broken bridge sit like that?

[chief1385]

Third bridge checked, charred but serviceable at reduced speed. 2 more to go. Re-route will probably continue as long as Interstate 25 is closed.

[JoeOnRoute66]

Chief,

 

I appreciate your updates as I plan to be on the Southwest Chief, disembarking Monday morning (6/20) at Trinidad.  Having to go to ABQ really messes up my travel timing into the San Juans.

[JoeOnRoute66]

The SWC will be using its regular route starting Thursday, 6/16, according to their web site.  The line on the south side of Raton Pass has been reopened although the fire continues to burn north and east of the valley the interstate and railroad climb.

Good news for my trip with my wife (10th anniversary) and others who plan to venture on the line west of Newton.

[Sawtooth500]

I can confirm that the southwest chief is back to it's normal routing as I'm writing this as I sit in the SW chief about to go over the Mighty Mississippi... I t will actually be interesting to see the forest fire area though - never seen a forest fire so fresh!

[JoeOnRoute66]

I had the thought of taking pictures of the train after I pick up my rental in Trinidad.  So, it will be interesting to drive through the freshly burned area as well.  Rules for I-25, no stopping and driving only 45 mph.  Considering that road, it's coasting down hill.