Attention train buffs, the location for the Big Boy steam engine to stop in Owatonna Wednesday, July 17 has changed. The train will now stop at the West School Street crossing at the entrance to Morehouse Park in the interest of traffic and public safety according to a news release from the Owatonna Police Department Monday. The Union Pacific Steam Locomotive 4014 is scheduled to be on site from 10:45 am - 11:30 am.

The release states, "This change in stop location is in the interest of traffic and visitor safety and will offer more space for spectators to witness this event and create less traffic disruption on Glendale Street and Riverside Avenue."

"Morehouse Park visitors will have restricted vehicle access to and from the park at the West School Street access during this event," the release also says. The Union Pacific Railroad Police remind visitors to stay at least 25 feet away from the train for their own safety.

The Big Boy series of trains delivered freight in the 1940s and 1950s. The 4014 was restored over the last several years as part of the Union Pacific Railroad's celebration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, according to a story in the Pioneer Press.

The train will also stop in Albert Lea and Northfield Wednesday before ending the day in St. Paul. The Big Boy will steam to Duluth later in the week and then move on to Wisconsin and other Upper Midwestern states.

 

 

More From KDHL Radio