News Release

May 2, 2008

BNSF bridge and rail services still affected

AMES, Iowa – The BNSF Railway Company’s bridge near Burlington, Iowa, remains closed today due to the runaway barge that struck and remains wedged against the structure.

This closure continues to affect BNSF freight rail service, averaging 40 to 50 trains per day. It is also affecting Amtrak passenger rail service on the California Zephyr, which travels daily between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, with stops in Creston, Osceola, Ottumwa, Mount Pleasant, and Burlington.

Both the eastbound and westbound California Zephyr passenger trains will be affected today as service is being detoured on a northerly route through Iowa. Passengers on the eastbound train bound from Omaha to destinations in Iowa will continue on to Chicago, where they will be bused back from Chicago to their intended stop in Iowa.  For the latest updates to passenger train schedules, visit www.Amtrak.com.

For additional information about the affected freight or passenger rail services, contact the rail companies listed below.

Amtrak passenger rail issues
Marc Magliari, Media Relations Manager
Amtrak Government Affairs & Communications
Chicago, Illinois
E-mail: marcmag@amtrak.com
Phone: 312-880-5390

Freight rail issues
Steve Forsberg, General Director of Public Affairs
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas
E-mail: steven.forsberg@bnsf.com
Phone: 913-551-4479

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