HELENA (AP) – Amtrak operations between Havre and Whitefish resumed Monday after shutting down over the weekend due to concerns over possible avalanches.
BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said the railroad made the decision to disallow operations on that stretch Friday because of heavy snow. Empire Builder passengers were bused between the two towns.
BNSF completed a risk assessment Monday and determined conditions had improved enough to resume operations, but crews will continue to monitor the weather and snow conditions. Freight trains continued to use the rails over the weekend.
Melonas said BNSF has equipment operating around in the clock in the Essex area to remove snow from the tracks and ensure continued service.