Trainsmag.com just reported that Amtrak's Empire Builder will be detoured around Grand Forks, Devils Lake, and Rugby, N. Dak., between October 15 and 20, while Burlington Northern Santa Fe works to raise the former Great Northern main line safely above the rising waters of Devils Lake.
The $2.4 million project involves raising 14 miles of BNSF's Devils Lake Subdivision. Devils Lake, which has no outlet, has risen 25 feet since 193 and claimed 50,000 acres of farmland in the process.
During the track work, the Empire Builder will detour on BNSF's Surrey Cutoff between Fargo And Surrey, N.Dak. Connecting bus service will protect service to three stops the train will skip.
The track work won't have much effect on BNSF operations. It routes only one train each way over the line.