BNSF traffic hampers Empire Builder route

Heavy freight traffic is hampering Amtrak passenger service on the popular Empire Builder route that stops in Whitefish.

Amtrak has canceled or altered many of its trips between Chicago and Seattle through Sunday as a result of the congestion on the tracks that Amtrak shares with BNSF Railway.

Much of the congestion is due to heavy freight train traffic in the western North Dakota oil fields. BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth says the recent cold snap also has been a factor because it has slowed everything down.

Amtrak officials say hundreds of travelers have been affected by the cancellations. The Saturday morning train to Whitefish was canceled, while the afternoon train was scheduled to be 1 1/2 hours late. Both eastbound and westbound trains have been affected.

Whitefish is Amtrak’s busiest stop on the Empire Builder route. More than 66,000 visitors come to Whitefish annually via passenger train.

Amtrak offers a 20 percent off winter promotion for travel to Whitefish during the ski season. Whitefish Mountain Resort is currently promoting those savings on their website.