I live and work in the northern suburbs of Detroit. I got into the habit of stopping by the CN line where it passes through Pontiac, Michigan on my home between 5 and 6 p.m. For several months, it seemed I saw at least one through freight during that time. Now I haven’t seen even one for about the past two months. Does anyone know if traffic has reduced, or is it just “luck of the draw.”? Also, does anyone know if the diamond in Durand, Michigan west of Flint is fairly active on the weekends?
Thanks much for any info.
Ross R.
I have also noticed a reduction of CN trains south of Pontiac.
Weekends at Durand can vary from a few local movements or TSBY (Tuscola, Saginaw Bay Railway) to 12 thru freights a day plus 2 Amtraks. Amtraks are supposed to be at 7:15 am and 8:54 pm
I was just there last nite for the 1st time on a Tuesday and saw 3-4 CN, 1 TSBY and the evening Amtrak. Saturday seems better than Sunday for the weekends. Plus the Depot is open: the gift shop, the railroad clubs, and the Ann Arbor Historical Society and GTW Historical Society are open upstairs.
One of my favorite places is the Grand Old Dame “Durand Union Station Depot”.
I used to stop in Royal Oak quite a bit and see 2-3 freights each night of the week including Amtrak. But now I do not see any CN, or BNSF running north or south.
Hope this helps…best of luck and stay safe.
Bob S.
Bob,
Thanks for the info. Union Station in Durand surely is a beautiful old station. I was going to head up there for the day on Saturday to see if there’s any action. I got spoiled by a couple of recent trips to Fostoria, Ohio!
Ross