Forums

|
Want to post a reply to this topic?
Login or register for an acount to join our online community today!

Why backhaul to interchange?

  • Iowa Interstate ends at Blue Island here in Chicago.  It interchanges with EJ&E just east of Joliet.  Why do they haul cars to Blue Island and bring them back to the EJ&E in a separate move instead of just leaving them on the interchange track when heading east?  This is a 20-25 mile backhaul.  Today Iowa Interstate used two GP 38s to haul about fifteen steel coil cars and a gondola to the EJ&E from Blue Island.  That takes a crew probably two hours or more and a lot of fuel. 

    Replies to this thread are ordered from "oldest to newest".   To reverse this order, click here.
    To learn about more about sorting options, visit our FAQ page.
  • The EJ&E interchange is located where IAIS has trackage rights over Metra's Rock Island District.  There is only a one-hour window between suburban runs so it may not be feasible to drop the interchange on the eastbound run without delaying a suburban train.

    The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul