Amtrak service could be slowed by freight train derailment in Logan County

Posted on May 16, 2017
Amtrak train
Amtrak is extending bus service in Logan County following a freight train derailment Monday night. (WJBC file photo)

By Eric Stock

ELKHART – Amtrak is bringing in more buses for passengers in Logan County following a freight train derailment on Monday night.

WAND-TV reports 18 cars on a 77-car train derailed at about 10:30 p.m. near Elkhart. A Union Pacific railroad spokesperson said no one was injured and that many of the derailed cars were carrying automobiles.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Maglairi said the transportation company was already planning to use buses south of Springfield because of railroad work, now those buses will go also carry passengers between Lincoln and Springfield, which could lead to longer commute times.

“Certainly we expect to operate pretty close to normal as far south as Lincoln but buses do not make as good a time as the times, so there may be delay as we turn the trains as Lincoln,” Magliari said.

Magliari said he expects service to be disrupted until Tuesday afternoon.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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