Will Amtrak’s chronically slow service through Independence and Lee’s Summit be faster a year from now?
More money now in the pot means that could happen.
Missouri legislators earlier this year came up with $5 million to extend two sidings on the Union Pacific line from Kansas City to St. Louis. That’s the line that enters northwest Independence, goes by the depot near the Community of Christ Auditorium, runs along Noland Road near Truman High School and then runs out of the city to the south. Amtrak uses the line for its cross-state service that connects 10 communities, including Independence and Lee’s Summit.
Here’s the hangup: Amtrak is supposed to get a clear shot on the tracks, but freight trains can’t pull over to make room if they are longer than the nearest siding, that second set of tracks that pops up here and there and runs next to the main line for a few thousand feet. Amtrak trains are short, and as a practical matter they end up pulling over.
And ... waiting.
You’re supposed to be able to climb aboard Amtrak a few minutes before 8 a.m. in Independence and be in St. Louis in time for a late lunch. But an early supper is more like it. It’s not uncommon for the trains to run a couple of hours – or more – late.
The best answer is simple: Extend a couple of key sidings.
The Missouri Department of Transportation said this week it has secured a federal grant – another $3.3 million – to go with the $5 million from the state and extend sidings near Knob Noster, Mo., and California, Mo. That should significantly ease the bottlenecks. MoDOT says the work should begin in March and take several months.
Big picture: Amtrak’s ridership is up sharply nationwide, though not so much in Missouri because of its reputation for tardiness. Maybe one day soon that will begin to change.
Independence, MO —
