CSX Barr Yard downsized

Trains Magazine
1

I read on Trains news that CSX has downgraded Barr Yard in Chicago, shifting classification to Clearing Yard (Belt Railway of Chicago) and IHB (probably Blue Island Yard). Per the article Barr typically had inventory of 1400 to 1600 cars daily, but now is down to about 200.

Also the CSX trains M326/327 between Chicago and Grand Rapids have been abolished with cars moving via Garrett, Toledo, and then to Grand Rapids. The Chicago - Grand Rapids trains were typically 100-150 cars, not exactly small trains.

If that is the case, then the ex Pere Marquette/C&O line from Porter, In to Grand Rapids will host a pair of Amtrak trains and possibly coal trains for Consumers Energy in West Olive, Mi. I do not know if those trains are still running or if the plant has closed. It was scheduled to close in 2025.

If the coal has dried up that line will possibly be sold.

Ed

2

The feds ordered the coal burning West Olive plant to stay open under the guise of an energy emergency. Not sure how long they can declare an emergency. At the same time they are withholding the permit for an off-shore wind farm.

3

I doubt anyone would want it. Maybe the state will buy it

4

The State of Michigan bought the Kalamazoo-Dearborn line from NS (with fed grants) for Amtrak service with 3 Wolverine round trips and the Blue Water RT over part of the line. However, Porter-Grand Rapids only has 1 RT, so it might be a harder sell.