Amtrak submits a request for Federal Grant to look at Southern Crescent connection to Dallas / Fort Worth.

[CMStPnP]

My guess is this would actually go through Dallas to Fort Worth since there is no space for storing the train in Dallas or otherwise it would turnaround in Dallas in an hour or two and head back.

https://www.ksla.com/2023/06/07/amtrak-officially-submits-grant-application-extend-passenger-rail-service-meridian-miss-dallas-fort-worth-via-i-20-corridor/

 

[blue streak 1]

There are several things that have changed from CP's proosal to allow the extension if the CPAK merger was completed. 

1.  From STB filing.  For last few years NS often transferred to KCS trains (mostly intermodal) too long for the sidings along the route that gummed up the KCS RR.  Eastbound KCS KCS appeared to keep its trains to fit into the sidings.  Suspect NS's attempts to lenghten trains beyond siding lengths due to PSR.  Checking there are just 2 longer sidings from Meridian - Jackson.  CPAK does have a large yard east of downtown Jackson that can handle longer trains.  Next long siding of 10 - 12k feet fairly close east of Vicksburg.  Then after crossing Mississippi a long one some 10 miles west.  

2.  The CPAK / CSX agreement will really increase traffic to / from Shreveport - Meridian.  Suspect that it will eventually add 3 round trips 2 intermodal and one regular for Mexican traffic both ways. Maybe even more traffic for NS at Meridian with Mexican traffic?

3.  It may be CPAK will require NS to no longer transfer over length trains at Meridian and same for CSX at Maplewood?  At this time CPAK appears disciplined to keep all its trains able to meet within siding lengths.  An almost current KCS ETT for the route would correct the many errors I have probably made.

All this additional traffic may have effects on Amtrak adding the MEI <> FTW service.  It also has to contend with UP SHE <> FTW with the Sunset STB results having some effect.

[CMStPnP]

blue streak 1

All this additional traffic may have effects on Amtrak adding the MEI <> FTW service.  It also has to contend with UP SHE <> FTW with the Sunset STB results having some effect.

I have not heard anything locally so no clue where this stands outside of what I read in the press occassionally.   I think for the most part DFW is not interested.  It's more Louisiana and Mississippi and Marshall, TX driving this.