Hint it isn't? Since when? The statue has not changed - Amtrak gets priority - now in reality yes that doesn't take place.
But unless you are talking coming into / leaving Chicago for past year freight has NOT been an issue with delays. Yes coming into / leaving those cities I have seen delays in past 12 months - but on actual route - not an issue. Last week leaving St Louis freight was given priority over MacArthur Bridge (St. Louis) - this caused less than a 5 minute delay out of Gateway Station ( yes 5 minute delays can add up quick). Track work along route that day did create slowdowns for work crew safety. Recently in between St Louis and Alton had a 30 minute delay do to TRACK WORK that day - NOT freight.
It is track work that has caused majority of delays when in route between cities - for past year - freight had been an issue on and off in years past - do to legal / political debate going on - carriers not giving a damn etc. Most of times Amtrak Lincoln Service takes a siding it has been to wait for another Amtrak train to pass = not freight getting involved.
I'm so sick of hearing passengers claiming freight gets priority - when law of land states exactly opposite!!
This is a key reason I took a break from this forum - "the click" wanting to argue instead of helping people.
And what exactly wasn't clear about my statement that priority is still a hot topic being passed around courts, agencies and politicians?
Amtrak passengers Federal Surface Transportation Board decided to drop controversial proposal to allow freight rail to get priority on train tracks August 2nd 2016 would you like other sources?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2016/08/02/amtrak-passengers-just-dodged-a-major-bullet/
Amtrak has priority over freight — but passengers don’t benefit
http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Amtrak-has-priority-over-freight-but-5923268.php
Getting there on time: Who goes first, Amtrak or a freight train? A court rules.
http://wpo.st/Yuzr1
A Message from Amtrak Regarding On-time Performance
http://blog.amtrak.com/2015/02/message-amtrak-regarding-time-performance/
Reading for those who would like to read about ongoing battle from earlier this year - my first article link is newer and takes informational priority.
Round 2 for Amtrak: A major defeat in appeals court
https://shar.es/1ZS4gO
Amtrak Priority law 49 U.S.C. § 24308 : US Code - Section 24308: Use of facilities and providing services to Amtrak
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/uscode/49/V/C/243/24308
"© Preference Over Freight Transportation. - Except in an emergency, intercity and commuter rail passenger transportation provided by or for Amtrak has preference over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing unless the Board orders otherwise under this subsection."