Amtrak cancels Pere Marquette trains between Grand Rapids and Chicago as weather damages railroad infrastructure in West Michigan

Heavy rain washed out train tracks in Coloma, forcing Amtrak to cancel the Pere Marquette route between Grand Rapids and Chicago.

Amtrak has canceled its Pere Marquette passenger trains traveling between Grand Rapids and Chicago after heavy rains washed out the ground underneath a portion of the railroad track near Coloma.

The cancellation affects two daily trains:

• Train 370 runs from Chicago to Grand Rapids at 6:30 p.m., stopping in Benton Harbor, Bangor, and Holland
• Train 371 runs from Grand Rapids to Chicago at 6 a.m., taking the same route back

Amtrak officials announced the cancellation of Train 370 on Saturday afternoon just after 3 p.m., a few hours before its scheduled departure. They canceled Train 371 just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, an hour before its scheduled departure.

The Pere Marquette Train 370 route leaves from Chicago to Grand Rapids, stopping in Benton Harbor, Bangor and Holland, at 6:30 p.m. The Pere Marquette Train 371 leaves from Grand Rapids the next morning at 6 a.m., taking the same route back to Chicago.

Amtrak officials said bus transportation will be provided as an alternative to the train service. On Saturday, three alternate buses were set up to replace the trains:

• Bus 1: Express from Chicago to Grand Rapids
• Bus 2: Express from Chicago to Holland
• Bus 3: Made all stops

Amtrak announced on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning the Pere Marquette Train 370 and Pere Marquette Train 371 between Grand Rapids and Chicago is cancelled through at least Sunday due to a washout after heavy rain hit West Michigan over the weekend.

Amtrak officials told passengers on social media that the Pere Marquette Train 371 (Grand Rapids to Chicago, 6 a.m. departure) was scheduled to run on Thursday. They added that if there are any changes, they will provide updates about cancellations and alternate transportation as they become available.

The washout occurred after several days of heavy rain hit West Michigan over the weekend. The flooding affected the ground underneath the track bed, forcing repairs before trains could resume service on the line.

A recent flood-related washout near Coloma forced CSX to shut down its rail line between Chicago and Grand Rapids, halting both freight operations and Amtrak's Pere Marquette passenger service while repairs to the undermined track bed proceed.

The railroad that carries the Amtrak trains is owned and operated by CSX. The company stated it hopes to resume train service once repairs are complete, but there is no estimated time for when the line will reopen.

Amtrak officials said online they do not have an estimated time for revival for the route.

Passengers who relied on the train for their travel plans faced uncertainty as they waited for updates on the cancellation. The Pere Marquette line serves as a critical transportation link for travelers between Chicago and West Michigan.

What Travelers Need to Know

• Alternate transportation: Amtrak is providing bus service as an alternative to the canceled trains
• Affected routes: Train 370 (Chicago to Grand Rapids) and Train 371 (Grand Rapids to Chicago)
• Timeline: Cancellation is through at least Sunday, with no estimated time for service restoration
• Bus options: Three different bus routes available, including express service and a bus that makes all stops

Amtrak officials said bus transportation will be provided in place or the train and said online they do not have an estimated time for revival for the route.

Impact on West Michigan Travel

The cancellation affects travelers throughout West Michigan, not just those in Grand Rapids. The Pere Marquette line serves as a connection between Chicago and communities like Holland, Bangor, Benton Harbor, and ultimately Grand Rapids.

The Pere Marquette Train 370 route leaves from Chicago to Grand Rapids, stopping in Benton Harbor, Bangor and Holland, at 6:30 p.m. The Pere Marquette Train 371 leaves from Grand Rapids the next morning at 6 a.m., taking the same route back to Chicago.

The flooding that caused the track washout also raised concerns about other infrastructure in the region. The Grand River in the Grand Rapids area recently surged past flood stage, affecting about 100 homes in the Comstock Park area.