Fred,
Keep in mind that Union Pacific has three major routes available for traffic to Chicago from the West Coast. The primary route, of course is the former C&NW which has been heavily upgraded. The second all UP route is east from KC to St. Louis and northeast through Illinois on the former C&EI / MoPac That line handles primarily traffic from Texas, but can be used as an alternative from the west. The third line is, of course, KC to Chicago via the former Santa Fe via Ft. Madison and Galesburg. UP trains east of Galesburg generally use the former Q.
As for the BNSF traffic westbound from Chicago, they also have choices and traffic patterns. Traffic to the West Coast primarily uses the Transcon. Between Chicago and Galesburg, either the Q or the former Santa fe can be used depending on which yard in Chicago originates the traffic. Both Corwith and Cicero (Clyde) are primarily intermodal these days. Trains to Quincy are less frequent and can go to either St. Louis via the K line or west to KC, but those choices are not as common because the route aren't as upgraded. Trains to southern Illinois generally aren't going to the west, but could if necessary via St. Louis, but that would be somewhat convoluted. I don't know what the traffic density is to southern Illinois, but my impression it that it is relatively heavy with a fair amount of coal moving to power plants and barge transloading.
Bill Barber Gravois Mills, MO Sun Feb 17, 2013 3:52 pm (PST) . Posted by:
Thanks Bill- based on what I've seen on full days on the AT&SF (only several UP trains), that must mean UP traffic from the Golden State Route to Chicago is not overwhelming.
Can anyone comment on current typical BNSF traffic on the CB&Q southwest from Galesburg?(to southern IL from Bushnell, to KC from W. Quincy, and to St. Louis from W. Quincy).
Fred R.
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