TZPR Local, Iowa Interstate PENT, BNSF M-PEIGAL, Union Pacific Work Train 3-22-26

The first gondola is empty. The AMFX covered hopper is used by BioUrja Renewables LLC, probably for outbound DDG (mash). The other three gondolas were loaded. Obviously not coiled wire rod. Scrap metal can usually be seen above the rim. My guess is steel billets. 


CAPTION: A Tazewell & Peoria Railroad local, running from Kickapoo Yard to East Peoria, is shown at Darst Street in Peoria, Illinois. After river traffic clears, the train crosses the Illinois River. TZPR 1352 and IMRR 43 have five cars.

I had come through Peoria to see the fourth empty grain train delivered to IAIS since January. Interestingly, they received one in February and two so far (Friday morning) this month! 


CAPTION: Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd. train PENT (Peoria IL to Newton IA) crosses the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's Illinois River Bridge early-afternoon Sunday, March 22, 2026. Shortly, the train rolls by the Ft. of Chicago Street and BioUrja Renewables LLC's Peoria distillery. Train arrived on Canadian National behind two CSX units. IAIS 509 had 106 grain empties.

When I drove to the Wesley Road area to see if the Iowa Interstate grain MT was approaching, I noticed BNSF's M-PEIGAL on the south end of the East Peoria Yard. Instead of chasing the Iowa Interstate train onto home rails and higher track speeds, I decided to wait for this train. Glad I did, because of the Union Pacific work train that showed up. 


CAPTION: BNSF Railway train M-PEIGAL (Manifest, Peoria IL to Galesburg IL) crosses the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad's Illinois River Bridge early afternoon Sunday, March 22, 2026. Shortly, the train enters home rails at Darst Street. By the time it crosses W. Farmington Road on home rails, a northbound Union Pacific ballast train sneaks up on its parallel line to Nelson! BNSF 7299 and BNSF 5053 have 26 cars (6 loads, 20 empties).

I uploaded a stand alone video showing the Union Pacific work train. This train is reportedly going to end up at the El Camino work site for the Bartlett Grain elevator loop rail under construction. 


CAPTION: A Union Pacific-Herzog Ballast Train rolls by W. Farmington Road mid-afternoon Sunday, March 22, 2026. Train symbol reportedly WIMSRD (Work Train, Iron Mountain MO to Storage IL, Section D). UP 9568 with 32 cars (30 ballast, two empties).

I uploaded a stand alone video showing the BNSF and UP trains together. 


CAPTION: BNSF train M-PEIGAL (Manifest, Peoria IL to Galesburg IL) had BNSF 7299-5053 and 26 cars. Union Pacific train WIMSRD (Work Train, Iron Mountain MO to Storage IL, Section D) had UP 9568 and 32 cars.

- David P. Jordan

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