Hi!
Just got back from a trip through southern Illinois, west across Missouri, and south thru Oklahoma (to Texas) on route 69. We saw major flooding in all three states, and got a close up look at flooded UP tracks that run next to route 69 in Oklahoma. It was not a pretty sight, and obviously the line was closed. However, when we got about halfway through the state, we began to see ballast trains headed north - apparently for repairs.
These ballast trains must be among some of the heaviest, and those locos were sure working hard. Not sure how long it will take to get back in order, but from what I can tell it won’t be soon, and it will be expensive!!!
Mobilman44