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Amtrak Busing Passengers Over Marias Pass Amid Avalanche Threat

By Beacon Staff

Amtrak is busing its passengers between Whitefish and Shelby until at least Saturday amid the persistent threat of avalanches on Marias Pass, company officials said.

The rail line was closed late Sunday night between Essex and Marias Pass after a massive avalanche swept over both tracks with seven feet of snow, trees and debris.

According to Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari, passengers will board buses at either Whitefish or Shelby for the trip over Marias Pass. Meanwhile, the empty passenger train will continue over the mountain. According to Magliari, BNSF rules require that loaded passenger trains not run if there has been a recent slide.

While passengers are riding the road, freight trains began running again immediately after the slide was cleared Monday.

RELATED: Avalanche Blocks BNSF Line near Glacier Park