The westbound Empire Builder detour around Amtrak stations in Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Rugby will continue through Jan. 12, 2015, according to a joint press release from Amtrak and Burlington Northern Sante Fe.

The detour has caused westbound passengers to detrain in Fargo and take charter buses to the three destinations and Minot, since May. Passengers can get the charter buses in Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Rugby and get on a westbound train in Minot. The eastbound Empire Builder continues to operate without detours.

“BNSF improvements on the line used by Amtrak, such as additional and lengthened passing sidings and added double track, are part of the nearly $400 million BNSF is investing in its infrastructure in the state,” the release states. “Once completed, the on-time performance of Amtrak trains from St. Paul, Minn., to the west coast is expected to significantly improve.”

Amtrak will reassess the detour in December.

Railroad construction and high volumes of freight train traffic – due to crude oil, grain and other shipments – are causing delays between one and three hours, according to the release. Passengers are encouraged to check the status of their train on Amtrak.com, the free mobile apps or at 800-872-7245.

– Tribune Staff Report