By Justin Franz

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — The former Denver & Rio Grande Western main line through Colorado is closed due to an out-of-control wildfire at Glenwood Springs. While the main line is closed, Amtrak is detouring the California Zephyr via Union Pacific’s Overland Route in Wyoming. 

UP officials tell Railfan & Railroad that they are not detouring trains at this time and that they hope to resume regular operations by tomorrow once it is safe. 

The Grizzly Creek Fire started on Monday and as of Wednesday morning had burned more than 3,300 acres. The fire is expected to be “extremely active” this week due to dry and windy conditions. The fire has also forced the closure of Interstate 70. 

Meanwhile, UP is warning customers in Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois to expect shipment delays following a series of storms in that area yesterday. As of mid-day Wednesday, the route between Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was closed due to downed trees and power outages.