Borealis resumes regular train schedule through La Crosse after corrosion problem

Amtrak service through the La Crosse area is expected to return to normal on Friday, after a corrosion problem on one train led to brief suspension of one train route between St. Paul and Chicago.

Certain cars on the Borealis train that serves La Crosse were pulled, and bus service was substituted instead on Thursday. Regular Amtrak service in both directions between Chicago and Minnesota was scheduled to resume as usual by Thursday night.

During a routine inspection, Amtrak discovered corrosion on some of the Horizon railcars used on the Borealis and other lines, and those cars were pulled from service.

The corrosion issue on railcars also affected several other Amtrak routes including the Hiawatha route between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Last May, the Borealis train joined the Empire Builder in offering daily passenger service at the La Crosse depot.