Part of flooded KCSM main line remains closed

February 14, 2001Kansas City Southern issueda service advisory July 11 reporting hat while Kansas City Southern de Mexicoresumed most operations over the weekend, its main line between Laredo andMonterrey remained closed due to "high waters and floating debris"left by Hurricane Alex, which made landfall June 30.

"We continue tomonitor the situation closely and are ready with equipment, materials, andcrews to complete the track work as soon as water levels subside," said theadvisory. "At this point, we estimate this section of main line could beout of service for another few days. A more precise estimate is completelydependent on the pace at which the water recedes, which is a factor that’scompletely outside of our control."

The railroad said it wouldcontinue to work on reroute and detour options with connecting railroads,adding: "The force majeure and the embargos at Laredo, Matamoros andMonterrey will remain in place. We estimate that it will take approximately twoweeks to clear all of the trains that are parked due to the servicedisruption."