UPDATE: 6:25 p.m. - July 24, 2023
Amtrak reports that as of 5:46 p.m., the Empire Builder was back on the move and operating about four hours late.
They noted as a reminder that no customers will be allowed to board the train between Malta (MAL) and St. Cloud (SCD).
(third report: 3:53 p.m. - July 24, 2023)
Amtrak says that due to equipment issues, on-time alternate transportation in place of Empire Builder Train 8/28 will operate between St. Paul (MSP) and Chicago (CHI).
Amtrak says that affected passengers can call 1-800-USA-RAIL for assistance.
Amtrak has not disclosed the nature of the equipment issues.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana says with three recent derailments in Montanan, he’s pressing the U.S. Department of Transportation for answers and accountability.
(second report: 3:30 p.m. - July 24, 2023)
Amtrak says that as of 3:23 p.m., due to equipment issues on Empire Builder Train 8/28, which departed Seattle on Sunday, no customers will be boarded between Malta (MAL) and St. Cloud (SCD).
(first report: 2:51 p.m. - July 24, 2023)
The Amtrak "Empire Builder" passenger train has stopped east of Shelby and west of Havre.
Just after 2 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023, Amtrak said on social media that the train departed Seattle early this morning and is now stopped east of Shelby.
Amtrak has not yet released a reason for the stoppage, nor provided a precise location.
There is no word on whether the stoppage is related to clean-up from Saturday's freight train derailment several miles east of Havre.
We will update you if we get more information.
