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Wisconsin derailments ‘nothingburgers,’ consultant says
Interesting to note that derailments are considered nothing, really, just part of doing business, whereas they used to be judged serious indictments of maintenance, and for example were cited as a reason why shippers left the Milw. Rd’s lines west back when.
And one has to wonder how a Madison-based “rail consultant” earns his money, except perhaps as a lobbyist. There is not a lot of railroad activity in Madison, Wis. anymore, and will not be until Scott Walker takes a well deserved hike.
I am not familiar with track configurations in La Crosse but I assume the Empire Builder was able to get back on CP there since the BNSF was blocked farther northwest. Maybe CP and BNSF could help each other by detouring trains of both railroads on the same route that the Empire Builder took.
It seams that the BNSF is not an uncommon detour for the Empire Builder. Would UP allow Amtrak to use their line between Milwaukee and St. Paul, or is not in a condition to allow passenger service? This would at least allow the Empire Builder to still serve Milwaukee while detouring.
It’s because CP has reduced track inspections and repairs - to appease the shareholders.
Actually, in LaCrosse, Wis. the former Burlington and Milw. Rd. had a long history of detour sharing, usually because of high water along the Mississippi, causing such interesting moves as the original Empire Builder or North Coast Ltd. showing up in Milwaukee. The interchange is still there in what historically has been known as Grand Crossing, which in addition to the Milw. Rd. and CB&Q also included the C&NW and Green Bay & Western at one time. The site is a trainwatcher’s delight to the present.
Austin Larson, so what did Diamond Jim Doyle do as governor to bring rail using industry to Madison?
Andy Cummings, where do I know that name from? Lookin’ good AC!!!