Amtrak is set to begin early construction work as part of the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program in Maryland.
On 10 March, the first project for this programme will commence in the Halethorpe and West Baltimore areas.
The planned work includes replacing ageing wooden ties (sleepers) with new concrete ties, installing new rail and completing track drainage improvements.
These upgrades will boost train speed, capacity and ride quality on the Northeast Corridor through the future Frederick Douglass Tunnel.
“This initial project will directly reduce impacts during later construction phases and maximise the benefits of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel with higher track speeds and greater system capacity. Our partners at the Federal Railroad Administration recognise the importance and urgency of this project and have provided $8 million in key funding to help us complete this critical infrastructure work.”
At nearly 150 years old, the 1.4-mile B&P Tunnel is Amtrak’s oldest tunnel on the Northeast Corridor, connecting Baltimore to Washington, D.C.
It currently suffers from age-related issues such as excessive water infiltration and a deteriorating structure, resulting in delays that impact more than 10% of weekday trains.
