UP Railroad and Amtrak agreement on track usage in Louisiana for the “Sunset Limited”

Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak announced they have reached an agreement that will allow Amtrak to operate on a 5-mile segment of Union Pacific-owned track starting near Avondale, Louisiana. The reroute of the Sunset Limited onto Union Pacific track will take effect today, April 1, 2026.

“Amtrak is a key industry partner, and this agreement underscores our ongoing commitment to working with them to enhance both passenger and freight rail services,” said Eric Gehringer, Union Pacific Executive Vice President – Operations.

“We are grateful to have reached this agreement with Union Pacific. Both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have shown a strong commitment to quality Amtrak passenger rail service,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy, Planning and Accessibility.

Union Pacific has provided Amtrak access to its rail network since the passenger service began in 1971. Every year, Amtrak trains travel approximately 4.6 million train miles across Union Pacific’s network and 2.9 million miles on Norfolk Southern’s network.