Amtrak modifying Northeast service ahead of snow

Amtrak is modifying service on train routes in its popular Northeast Corridor in anticipation of a blizzard that has been forecast to pound Washington, D.C., and points northeast.

The company said Friday that trains on its Acela Express and Northeast Regional between Virginia and Boston and its Keystone Service between Pennsylvania and New York would operated on reduced schedules during the blizzard, which is projected to dump two feet of snow in the Washington, D.C., area. 

Amtrak said service on its Auto Train route between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla., would be canceled completely on Saturday and Sunday. 

{mosads}The company’s Capitol Limited route between Chicago and Washington, D.C., will be cut short in Pittsburgh on Jan. 22 and 23, and its Cardinal route between New York and Chicago will operate only between Indianapolis and Chicago. 

Trains that normally operate between New York City and Miami will also not operate on Saturday and Sunday, and a train between New York and New Orleans will be canceled on Saturday. 

Amtrak said trains between New York and Savannah, Ga., on its Palmetto route will also be modified on Sunday. 

Amtrak warned passengers to be prepared for additional potential changes as conditions change during the height of the the snow storm.  

“Allow extra time to get to the station and be extremely careful with possible slippery conditions in stations, on platforms and in the doorways of trains,” the company said. “Changes to these schedules or announcements about other service changes will be made as far in advance as possible and posted on Amtrak.com.” 

The company added “the top priority at Amtrak is the safety of our passengers, employees and the traveling public. 

“Amtrak engineering, operations and mechanical crews are actively monitoring the latest forecasts to ensure safe and efficient operation of the railroad, with preparations such as personnel and equipment positioning to quickly respond to potential problems and to resolve issues,” Amtrak said.