The city of Atmore is gearing up for the Amtrak Inspection Train’s arrival, next Thurs., Feb. 18, at the train station in front of city hall.

Jerry Gehman, Atmore’s representative on the Southern Rail Commission, went over the schedule of events.

Gehman said the event isn’t going to be a long one, but encouraged the public to attend.

In fact, the train will only be at the station for 10 minutes.

At exactly 2:31 p.m., the Amtrak Inspection Trail will arrive. Ten minutes later at 2:41 p.m., the train will depart.

While the train is at the depot, the train crossing at the intersection of Presley Street will be blocked.

Parking will be available in front of city hall, and spectators are encouraged to walk on the sidewalks to the train station. The train tracks are private property and CSX police and officials will be at the train arrival, Gehman said.

Gehman, who is quite happy that the train is coming to Atmore, said this will be a beginning that will lead to great ends.

Additionally, the Escambia County jazz band, the Northview High School R.O.T.C., the VFW and chamber ambassadors will be present for the event.

The train, which will be hosted by Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman, will carry elected officials, industry representatives, community leaders and federal stakeholders. The goal of the trip is to examine the existing CSX railroad infrastructure and to better understand rail’s economic, cultural and mobility opportunities, according to Amtrak.

Those on the train will be taken to Wind Creek Casino for a press conference, and will stay the night before being bussed to Pensacola, Fla., the next day, where they’ll get on the inspection train for Jacksonville.

The SRC released a study by Amtrak that details the range of service options accompanied by an analysis of ridership levels, projected revenues and associated costs for passenger trains between New Orleans and Orlando. The models also include a range of service options that will support regional economic resilience and projected population growth.

The Inspection Train will run from New Orleans, La. to Jacksonville, Fla., from Feb. 18-19.

The train will be between 7-10 cars in length. Each car is 88 feet long.

Atmore Amtrak event schedule:

• 2:15 p.m. — Jazz band plays

• 2:31 p.m. — Amtrak Inspection Train arrives; passengers detrain, move luggage to platform

• 2:41 p.m. — Amtrak train departs

• 2:45 p.m. — Atmore Mayor Jim Staff welcomes guests and Amtrak Chairman Joe Boardman, along with Southern Rail Commission Chairman Gregory White. White will address audience.

• 2:50 p.m. — Load passengers on buses to Wind Creek Casino

• 3 p.m. — Arrive at Wind Creek.

• 3:30 p.m. — Media event in ballroom.

• 4:30 p.m. — Reception in sound

• 7 p.m. — Bus leaves for Pensacola.