The Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel Replacement Program is Amtrak's largest-ever single infrastructure investment, and will pave the way for more reliable passenger rail service between Baltimore, Washington and Virginia.
Five years after Amtrak announced its $6-billion Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel Replacement Program, contractors have completed excavation work for the first of five bridges that must be rebuilt, with the other four remaining ahead of schedule. Crews have also broken through the final section of rock separating both sides of the utility siphon tunnel, which will carry water, communications and electrical infrastructure beneath existing and future railroad tracks.
The project is Amtrak's largest-ever single infrastructure investment, and will pave the way for more reliable passenger rail service between Baltimore, Washington and Virginia. Currently, trains passing through the 1.4 mile tunnel must slow to 30mph, making it one of the most notorious bottlenecks on the Northeast Corridor. The new tunnel will support speeds of up to 100 mph.
“Despite the progress, substantial work remains before tunnel boring begins. Crews continue soil stabilization, jet grouting, sewer installation, roadway modifications and site mobilization activities throughout the project corridor,” Grant Cameron writes for Daily Commercial News. Tunneling is expected to begin in 2028.
Read the full story: Amtrak’s $6B Baltimore tunnel project moves closer to a faster Northeast Corridor
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