OAKLAND, Calif. — Amtrak says it is “actively working” with Union Pacific on a plan to restore service on the full Coast Starlight route between Los Angeles and Seattle, but does not yet have a date when that will occur.
Service has been disrupted since UP’s 1,200-foot Dry Canyon Bridge was damaged June 28 by the Lava Fire in Northern California. Union Pacific completed repairs and reopened the bridge on Sunday, Aug. 1, a month earlier than its original estimate [see “Union Pacific reopens Dry Canyon Bridge,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 2, 2021].
“We commend our partners at Union Pacific for re-opening the Dry Canyon Bridge ahead of projected schedule — allowing Amtrak customers to enjoy thru-train service aboard the Coast Starlight earlier than anticipated,” Amtrak said in a statement. “We are actively working with UP to formulate a restoration plan and expect to formally announce those plans soon.”
Amtrak originally operated a bus bridge between Sacramento, Calif., and Klamath Falls, Ore., to connect trains operating on the northern and southern portions of the Starlight route, then cancelled the train north of Sacramento as of July 1. Northern and southern sections connected by an overnight bus bridge resumed July 16, although booking tickets has been difficult because Amtrak has only placed tickets on sale a few days in advance [see “‘Starlight’ saga: Sales stopped …,” News Wire, July 19, 2021]. For example, as of this morning (Wednesday, Aug. 4), Amtrak’s website shows tickets available from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest through Saturday, Aug. 7.
Trains Aug. 8 through 22 as shown as “cancelled;” an advisory on Amtrak’s website now indicates those cancellations reflect track and bridge work that will see the train operate only between Seattle and Klamath Falls, Ore. The advisory for the Starlight mentions work in the Northern California fire area, but a Pacific Surfliner advisory indicates bridge work between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo is set for the same period.
— Updated at 4 p.m. CDT to reflect Amtrak service advisorie for Coast Starlight service in August.
