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The Southwest Chief's Routing In NM
Author: Sid Richardson
Date: 11-14-2009 - 15:21
So, should we start a "ghoul pool" as to when we can predict the death of the Amtrak route over Glorieta and Raton Passes?
Since BNSF is no longer running anything over the line, I figure it's just a matter of time before Amtrak re-routes Trains 3 & 4 on the route via Amarillo. I just can't see maintaining all that trackage to 79 MPH standards for one eastbound and one westbound passenger train. It reminds me of the Espee's little used (and now dormant) line west of Phoenix. Recall that the isolation and dearth of traffic provided an opportunity for that kook (or kooks) to sabotage the track at Hyder. This could be a cause for concern for the line in New Mexico.
My understanding is the State of New Mexico ownes the track up to the Colorado border, but is BNSF expected to maintain the track from there to La Junta when they're not even using it?
Since BNSF is no longer running anything over the line, I figure it's just a matter of time before Amtrak re-routes Trains 3 & 4 on the route via Amarillo. I just can't see maintaining all that trackage to 79 MPH standards for one eastbound and one westbound passenger train. It reminds me of the Espee's little used (and now dormant) line west of Phoenix. Recall that the isolation and dearth of traffic provided an opportunity for that kook (or kooks) to sabotage the track at Hyder. This could be a cause for concern for the line in New Mexico.
My understanding is the State of New Mexico ownes the track up to the Colorado border, but is BNSF expected to maintain the track from there to La Junta when they're not even using it?
The Southwest Chief's Routing In NM