New era for Baltimore rail: Amtrak confirms Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Amtrak has taken a significant leap in its Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project by engaging Kiewit and J.F. Shea for the construction of a new, advanced passenger rail tunnel that will accommodate electrified Amtrak and MARC trains. This project represents a pivotal advancement in addressing the primary congestion challenge along the Northeast Corridor from Washington, D.C. to New Jersey, as emphasized by Laura Mason, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President for Capital Delivery. She acknowledged the vital support from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the Biden-Harris Administration, and the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA).

This investment is a key feature of Amtrak’s initiative to enhance and renew a crucial 10-mile section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC), dedicated to the memory of Frederick Douglass, a Maryland-born civil rights leader and abolitionist, aligning with the celebration of his 206th birthday.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore highlighted the tunnel’s potential to bolster transportation and support economic growth, acknowledging the collaborative effort driving the project.

Positioned near Baltimore Penn Station, the new structure will feature:

• Two single-track tunnels, promoting speed and efficiency beyond the current limitations imposed by the outdated infrastructure.
• Completion targeted for 2035, encompassing several major construction phases including:
• Replacement of five roadway and rail bridges.
• Construction of new rail infrastructure (interlockings, tracks, catenary/power, etc.).
• Development of a new ADA-compliant West Baltimore MARC Station.
• Construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel (both tubes).
• Installation of tracks, rail systems, and ventilation facilities within the new tunnel.

This comprehensive project aims to significantly enhance the travel experience for over 12 million annual passengers of Amtrak and MARC, marking the debut of the first new passenger rail tunnel in Maryland since 1934 and on the NEC since 1986.

The tunnel will replace the historic B&P Tunnel, addressing longstanding maintenance challenges and highlighting Amtrak’s commitment to community engagement throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Recent milestones include:

• Various community and industry engagement events.
• Early construction work and significant funding announcements ensuring the project’s completion.
• The adoption of a Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) delivery method, signaling an innovative approach to project management and execution for enhanced efficiency and collaboration.

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