There’s big anticipation for Big Boy.

A city resident inquired about the train’s travels through Dunkirk on Tuesday. The initial article about the upcoming visit of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive to Ripley garnered hundreds of reactions and comments on social media.

Big Boy will be on Norfolk Southern’s tracks next to Lucas Avenue and Doughty Street, the ones that cross Route 60 at-grade, sometime after its visit to Ripley on Tuesday. That’s according to a map of its route schedule on Union Pacific’s website. Big Boy is a Union Pacific locomotive, but its nationwide tour is happening in conjunction and partnership with Norfolk Southern.

The Ripley stop is set for the State Street crossing. Big Boy is scheduled to arrive at noon on Tuesday, then depart for Buffalo at 12:30 p.m. The train is not stopping in Dunkirk but will be rolling through sometime Tuesday afternoon. It’s impossible at this point to promise an exact time when it will be coming through Dunkirk.

The train is scheduled to be on public display in Buffalo Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Officials anticipate a large turnout of rail enthusiasts, families, photographers, and visitors hoping to witness the massive locomotive in action. Local leaders are urging the public to prioritize safety and plan ahead for travel delays and increased traffic in the Ripley area.

Motorists and visitors to Ripley are encouraged to allow extra travel time when arriving and departing, follow all posted traffic detours, obey local law enforcement and emergency personnel, and remain aware of changing traffic patterns throughout the day.

Chautauqua County officials encourage Big Boy’s enthusiasts to remain on public property, avoid standing on railroad tracks or restricted areas, and supervise children closely while viewing the train.

Additional event updates, traffic information, and public safety notices will be shared by Chautauqua County Government and the Town of Ripley through official communication channels and social media platforms.