Muskegon/Grand Haven question

[David Collins]

I’m gonna be in Muskegon/Grand Haven in a few weeks hanging out with a friend from college, he’s offered to take me to the tracks, I don’t know jack about the area, what could I expect to see (I assume Michigan Shore?) and when do the trains run?

[SD80MAC]

Michigan Shore runs down from Muskegon to Holland back 2 or 3 days week. Monday and Friday are usually good bets. They go on duty in Muskegon around 6-7 AM and are usually south through Grand Haven anywhere from 8-10 AM. Back north again 3ish hours later if they don't get held up by CSX.

Grand Crossing by Jonathon Leese, on Flickr

Grand Haven Depot by Jonathon Leese, on Flickr

Muskegon Bound by Jonathon Leese, on Flickr

Gloomy Fall Color by Jonathon Leese, on Flickr

[pudgy]

No set schedule, run as needed. Typically they go on duty 0600 and work around Muskegon getting outbound train ready to bring to Holland to interchange with CSX. Would be between 9am and noon for the run south to Holland. This time of year, I think they leave the Grand Haven bridge lined for the railroad as shipping lanes are suspended for winter (correct me if wrong) but still a good watch location.

[Talk]

The Bridge was left lined on the 26th this year

Also, the shipping lanes end right at the bridge

[MQT1223]

The Bridge was left lined on the 26th this year

Also, the shipping lanes end right at the bridge

For commercial yes...

[Saturnalia]

The bridge is still required to opened upon request throughout the winter, with 24-hour advance notice to the railroad.