Poor track conditions along the Amtrak Wolverine route in Michigan has caused service delays since June 2011 due to speed restrictions imposed by the host freight railroad, Norfolk Southern Railway. Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle announced Aug. 8, 2011, that a $4.2 million maintenance agreement with Norfolk Southern would begin soon and improvements completed by mid-September.

Track work being performed by Norfolk Southern Railway will affect Trains 350 and 353, on the dates shown below:

Aug. 17 and 18, 2011
Aug. 22 through Aug. 25, 2011
Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, 2011
Sept. 5 through Sept. 8, 2011

Eastbound Train 350, originating in Chicago, will terminate at Jackson. Passengers will be provided motorcoach service to Pontiac and all intermediate stations.

Westbound Train 353, which normally originates at Pontiac, will originate at Jackson. Passengers will be provided motorcoach service between Pontiac, Jackson and all intermediate stations.

The work to be done by Norfolk Southern includes replacing ties, smoothing the track, and improving grade crossings on a 135-mile section between Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo. Train speeds of 60 mph will be restored on this segment, in preparation for even higher speeds in years to follow.

Beginning Wednesday, August 3,2011 and continuing for approximately nine months, the Battle Creek station will undergo renovations. All station operations will relocate to a temporary facility located about 300 feet west of the current station across McCamly St.

Temporary Station Address and Phone Number:
124 South McCamly Street
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
269-963-6020

Arrive Early and Check In
Passengers should arrive early due to limited parking, possible congestion and for station assistance.

Upon arrival, passengers should check in with an agent at the ticket window.

Parking at the Battle Creek Station
Limited short-term parking is available at the temporary station for passenger drop off and pick up only

Free long-term parking is available at the Hamblin parking structure located about 200 feet northeast of the permanent station next to the Kellogg Arena. Passengers parking at the Hamblin parking structure must obtain a parking permit from a station agent to place in their car window. Vehicles that do not display a parking permit are subject to charge and/or tow.

Temporary parking:
Hamblin Parking Structure
40 Hamblin Ave.
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017
269-966-3605

Station Safety Advisory
The safety of our employees and passengers is our top priority. For your safety, avoid the construction area whenever possible, and be mindful of the following:

• Be careful if you need to walk near the construction area.
• Stay at a safe distance from machinery and moving construction equipment.
• Watch out for any tripping hazards, such as construction debris or uneven surfaces.

Advisory from Amtrak.

From The Grand Rapids Press

Rise and shine! Amtrak passengers leaving Grand Rapids for Chicago will need to get to the station by 6 a.m. beginning Aug. 15 — 90 minutes earlier than normal — because of upcoming track maintenance.

Passengers will arrive about 90 minutes earlier in Chicago as well, about 9 a.m.

John Langdon, a spokesman for the Michigan Association of Rail Passengers, said the track work involves replacing rails, ties and ballast.

He said CSX, which operates the track, wants to have the tracks cleared early in the day to allow for more daytime work hours. Amtrak’s return schedule on the Pere Marquette, the line running from Grand Rapids to Chicago, will remain unchanged.

The temporary schedule is expected to last through Sept. 1.

With the temporary change, all stops on the morning Amtrak run also will be 90 minutes earlier than normal. Amtrak stops in Holland, Bangor and St. Joseph before reaching Chicago.

Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/08/amtrak_to_run_90_minutes_early.html