I just returned from my westward trek on the Empire Builder last night-or should I say this morning--got into WFH at 4:29 AM (scheduled time 8:56 PM the night before). This time a frozen switch was added to the heavy freight traffic mix. And this was a CPR issue just outside of MSP, not BNSF. We did take the Surrey cutoff on our way west, and according to the conductor, this will be in place for at least several more days, perhaps longer (westbound trains on the SC and eastbound thru Devil's Lake Sub). Quite frankly we actually picked up some time using this alternative. Even tough we were limited to 60-65 mph there were no stops (other than a couple freights just outside of Minot). A different part of ND for sure, plus we got to see the remains of the big oil train fire too-my oh my.....
I would agree, if the delays were just due to freight at the moment a traveler should expect 2-3 hour delays as the norm at each ending point, but this winter weather has wreaked havoc on equipment.
BTW-Amtrak had a CR person on the train from MSP all the way to SEA to deal with the myriad of missed, delayed and confused issues. He was verrrry busy. #7 is scheduled to arrive in SEA today about 5 hours behind-I guess that means they get an extra meal on board??