36 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

The Baltimore (MD) Banner, 1/25/24

 

Amtrak’s tunnel is coming. Can this group get residents onboard?

 

As a Maryland state official, Chad Williams knows how transformative a new Amtrak passenger rail tunnel can be for the Baltimore region and the nation.

 

As a Baltimorean, he knows that many of his neighbors oppose the tunnel getting built in the first place and feel Amtrak is railroading decisions through them.

 

Williams is trying to juggle those interests in his role as executive director of the West North Avenue Development Authority.

 

While many agree that the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel is critically needed, some local residents remain uneasy about the project. With support from leaders like Williams, they are pushing for more of a say in how the federally subsidized company intends to invest in communities above the tunnel during construction.

 

 

Continue here.  

[KevinKorell]

Amtrak press release,  2/6/24:
 

    Amtrak Awards Contract to Build New Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore 

Tunnel construction scheduled to begin in 2026; other Program activities already underway
 
BALTIMORE – Amtrak has achieved a major milestone for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program with the selection of a Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture to build the brand new, state-of-the-art passenger rail tunnel that will serve electrified Amtrak and MARC commuter trains.

“We are one step closer to unlocking the biggest passenger rail bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C. and New Jersey,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery Laura Mason. “This would not be possible without historic funding through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, as well as continued support from the Biden-Harris Administration, FRA and our funding partners at Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA).”

This generational investment is the centerpiece of Amtrak’s Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, which will modernize and transform an approximately 10-mile section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The new tunnel is named in honor of civil rights leader and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, a Maryland native whose 206^th birthday is later this month.
“The new Frederick Douglass Tunnel will generate fresh opportunities for Marylanders and help secure our transportation future,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “This project marks an important step forward in our work to build straight pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all — while investing in critical infrastructure throughout the state. I’m grateful for the partnership of the Biden-Harris Administration and all of the stakeholders who have come together to make this vision a reality.”

Located just south of Baltimore Penn Station, the new tunnel will serve electrified passenger trains with two parallel, single-track tunnel tubes, each approximately two miles long. It will also support much faster travel speeds than the existing tunnel, where trains are currently limited to maximum speeds of 30 mph due to the tight curves.

The overall Program is scheduled for completion in 2035 and will be delivered through three major construction contracts, which include:

• Replacing five roadway and rail bridges; building new rail infrastructure (interlockings, tracks, catenary/power, etc.); and constructing a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station
• Building the Frederick Douglass Tunnel (both tubes)
• “Fitting out” the new tunnel with tracks, rail systems and ventilation facilities

Collectively, these investments will improve travel times for more than 12 million annual Amtrak and MARC passengers who rely on the NEC. When the Frederick Douglass Tunnel opens, it will be the first new passenger rail tunnel built on the NEC since 1986, and the first in Maryland since 1934.
The Frederick Douglass Tunnel will replace Amtrak’s existing B&P Tunnel, which opened 150 years ago during the Ulysses S. Grant Administration. Over the years, Amtrak has made significant investments to keep the B&P Tunnel safe and operational. However, several age-related issues, including excessive water infiltration and a sinking floor, have required continuous upkeep.

Amtrak is committed to doing the right thing, including engaging with the community throughout the planning, design and construction processes. Since initial planning to replace the B&P Tunnel began over a decade ago, Amtrak and its partners have conducted hundreds of outreach engagements with local residents and community organizations to guide Program development, share updates and discuss future activities.
Throughout tunnel construction, Amtrak will continue to keep the community informed and updated, perform real-time monitoring and undertake other industry-leading activities to protect adjacent properties.

“Consistent and transparent community engagement is a top priority for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program Team,” said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa, who is leading the Program. “The Kiewit-Shea Joint Venture brings extensive experience with tunneling projects around North America, and we look forward to introducing them to the community at an upcoming ‘Meet the Contractors’ event in the spring.”
The past year has featured several major milestones for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program:

• January 30, 2023: President Biden and partners joined Amtrak in Baltimore to kick off the program, execute the Project Kickoff Agreement and celebrate the Project Labor Agreement with the Baltimore-DC Building and Construction Trades Council.
• March 2, 2023: Amtrak hosted an “Industry Day” to engage potential contractors and bring attention to this critical infrastructure program.
• March 10, 2023: Amtrak began early work activities along an approximately five-mile section in the Halethorpe and West Baltimore areas.
• June 2023: Amtrak completed the first set of early work activities that began in March, replacing aging wooden ties with 13,500 new concrete ties, installing 28,000 feet of new rail and completing track drainage improvements.
• September 2023: Amtrak awarded two important contracts that will advance the Program, including the “Southern Approach” (Package B ) contract that includes a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station, replacing multiple bridges, and constructing tracks and other railroad infrastructure, among other work.
• September 26 & 28, 2023: Amtrak hosted two community open house events to discuss the overall Program and provide an opportunity to meet the Program team. These open houses are part of Amtrak’s community engagement efforts, including regular updates at community group meetings, pop-ups and other engagement activities in the community.
• November 6, 2023: President Biden announced $16.4B in federal grants for NEC projects, including up to $4.7B for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program. With this announcement, the Program is now fully funded. The rest of the Program budget will be funded by contributions from Amtrak and the State of Maryland for a total Program budget of approximately $6 billion.
• November 13, 2023: Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Amtrak announced commitments from Amtrak, Baltimore City, and the state of Maryland to support the Baltimore Workforce Hub and ensure a skilled workforce is ready to support major infrastructure investments in Baltimore, like the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program.
• January 9, 2024: Amtrak hosted a community meeting to discuss the temporary, one-year relocation of Lafayette & Payson Park slated for 2026 while bridge construction takes place. Amtrak also solicited feedback on the plan and park amenities; feedback can be submitted here through February 13.

The third and final construction contract to “fit out” the Frederick Douglass Tunnel with tracks, rail systems and more will be announced at a future date, with an anticipated award in 2025/2026. Amtrak will also soon select a Delivery Partner to coordinate and support the successful execution of the Program.

Construction of the new tunnel is being delivered through the innovative Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) delivery method, which improves project delivery time and allows design, pre-construction and other work to proceed simultaneously.

Reactions:

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott
“The selection of a contractor to build the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel is an exciting step forward in this long-awaited project. MDOT looks forward to continued collaboration with Amtrak, our federal partners and the local community as we work to improve the safety of our rail system.”

Transportation Trades Department (AFL-CIO) President Greg Regan
“As the largest transportation labor federation in the country, we wholeheartedly support the modernization of America’s passenger rail systems and the utilization of skilled union workers in the process. This joint venture announcement brings us a crucial step closer to improving service and sustainability for the 12 million passengers who rely on the busy Northeast Corridor.”

Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews
“This is welcome news for the 12 million people who rode Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor last year and the many millions more who are sure to make the switch soon to safe, fast, hassle-free travel. Anyone who has been on a train at the south end of the Baltimore station knows how frustrating it is to slalom slowly back-and-forth in this Civil War-era structure, and today’s announcement is just one more step towards giving Americans the modern rail network we all deserve.”

[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

Amtrak selects builder for Frederick Douglass Tunnel

 

February 6, 2024

 

Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture to build two 2-mile bores

 

The planned route of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel (in green), which will replace the 150-year-old B&P Tunnel. Amtrak

 

BALTIMORE — Amtrak has selected a Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture to build the Frederick Douglass Tunnel, the replacement for 150-year-old B&P Tunnel which poses major operating issues on the Northeast Corridor just south of Baltimore Penn Station.

 

The approximately $6 billion project involves construction of two parallel, single-track 2-mile tunnels, and will eliminate 30-mph speed restrictions because of the tight curves in the current tunnel. Scheduled for completion in 2035, the project involves three major construction projects:  . . .

 

 

Continue here.  

[KevinKorell]

Amtrak press release, 2/27/24:
 

 

   Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program Update: Initial Demolition Begins    

 

 

One of the largest transportation infrastructure investments on the East Coast has begun demolition in Baltimore. Amtrak’s $6 billion Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program has entered a new phase, along with major construction activities set to begin later this year.

 

Continue reading

[CNJRoss]

Metro Magazine, 4/4/24

 

Amtrak Awards 'Delivery Partner' Contract for

Baltimore Tunnel Project

 

Amtrak awarded its first-ever “Delivery Partner” contract — an innovative construction management approach that will help drive successful execution of the $6 billion Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, the company’s single largest capital project.

 

The award follows a competitive procurement process that began in early 2023

 

“We’re proud to award this important Delivery Partner contract that will help continue the positive momentum for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program,” said Amtrak Executive VP, Capital Delivery, Laura Mason. “Amtrak has built an industry-leading Capital Delivery department and continues to leverage innovative project delivery approaches like this, as we work to replace and modernize our critical infrastructure assets.”

 

 

Continue here.  

[CNJRoss]

April 18, 2024 Amtrak Publishes Guide for West Baltimore Community Investments Funded by the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program

 

News • Infrastructure Investment

 

Download map

$50 million will be invested across major six categories along the Program corridor as part of the Community Investment Program (CIP) identified during the environmental review process

BALTIMORE – Amtrak has published a new guide and webpage detailing the process for plans to invest $50 million in the West Baltimore community throughout construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program (FDT Program). This important community investment was identified as a key component of the overall FDT Program by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) during its approval of the Program, which will build a brand-new rail alignment and modern tunnel to replace the existing 151-year-old B&P Tunnel.

🎙️ Amtrak President Roger Harris:

• “Amtrak is committed to improving the Baltimore community through the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program and these future investments will play an important role in achieving that goal. We are working diligently to administer the Baltimore Community Investment Program effectively and efficiently over the coming months and years.”

🎙️ FRA Administrator Amit Bose:

• “The Federal Railroad Administration is proud to support the construction of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore and support other transformative rail projects along the Northeast Corridor through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Amtrak has developed an innovative community investment approach, which includes targeted investments that will address unique project impacts determined through a comprehensive federal environmental review process. We are pleased that this new guide sets the stage for future investments in the local community consistent with the Record of Decision.”

🗺️ What it means: Amtrak will award grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations or city/state government entities, as well as make direct investments in the community. These grants and direct investments will support projects located within ¼ mile of the Program alignment*, across six investment categories:

1. community development
2. workforce development
3. publicly owned parks and recreation facilities
4. community gardens, vacant lot greening or creation of public open space
5. transportation
6. historic preservation

📝 CIP background: When FRA approved the FDT Program’s Preferred Alternative in 2017, it issued a Record of Decision (ROD) outlining mitigation measures that must be implemented during the Program’s design and construction. These ROD requirements included the CIP.

💲 How it’s paid for: The CIP is part of the overall FDT Program, which is funded by a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as contributions from Amtrak and the State of Maryland.

🚄 The big picture: The FDT Program will deliver enduring transportation improvements for the Northeast Corridor (NEC), create economic opportunity, improve connectivity and upgrade local infrastructure in West Baltimore.

• This includes a state-of-the-art tunnel for electrified Amtrak and MARC passenger trains, a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station, the replacement of multiple city bridges that require repair or replacement, and remilling, regrading, or repaving several streets in the Program alignment area.

📅 What’s next: This CIP Guide will be refined and updated over time as this unprecedented community investment program evolves. Amtrak is working with FRA to develop a formal community grant application and award process, as well as to finalize other CIP requirements necessary for effective community investments.

• Once the formal CIP application process launches, Amtrak will conduct extensive community outreach to help ensure eligible organizations are aware of the funding opportunities and prepared to apply.
• The CIP Guide will serve as an important educational tool to help prepare eligible organizations for the formal application process.

🔍 Learn more: Visit the new CIP web page or read the full CIP Guide for a deeper dive into the various community investment eligibility requirements, investment categories, CIP administration, evaluations criteria and more.

*Transportation improvement projects may occur within ½ mile of the Program alignment.

[CNJRoss]

 

 

April 18, 2024

 

Amtrak Publishes Guide for West Baltimore Community Investments Funded by the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program

 

Download map

 

$50 million will be invested across major six categories along the Program corridor as part of the Community Investment Program (CIP) identified during the environmental review process

 

BALTIMORE – Amtrak has published a new guide and webpage detailing the process for plans to invest $50 million in the West Baltimore community throughout construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program (FDT Program). This important community investment was identified as a key component of the overall FDT Program by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) during its approval of the Program, which will build a brand-new rail alignment and modern tunnel to replace the existing 151-year-old B&P Tunnel.

 

️ Amtrak President Roger Harris:

• “Amtrak is committed to improving the Baltimore community through the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program and these future investments will play an important role in achieving that goal. We are working diligently to administer the Baltimore Community Investment Program effectively and efficiently over the coming months and years.”

 

️ FRA Administrator Amit Bose:

• “The Federal Railroad Administration is proud to support the construction of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore and support other transformative rail projects along the Northeast Corridor through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Amtrak has developed an innovative community investment approach, which includes targeted investments that will address unique project impacts determined through a comprehensive federal environmental review process. We are pleased that this new guide sets the stage for future investments in the local community consistent with the Record of Decision.”

 

️ What it means: Amtrak will award grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations or city/state government entities, as well as make direct investments in the community. These grants and direct investments will support projects located within ¼ mile of the Program alignment*, across six investment categories:

1. community development
2. workforce development
3. publicly owned parks and recreation facilities
4. community gardens, vacant lot greening or creation of public open space
5. transportation
6. historic preservation

 

CIP background: When FRA approved the FDT Program’s Preferred Alternative in 2017, it issued a Record of Decision (ROD) outlining mitigation measures that must be implemented during the Program’s design and construction. These ROD requirements included the CIP.

 

 How it’s paid for: The CIP is part of the overall FDT Program, which is funded by a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as contributions from Amtrak and the State of Maryland.

 

 The big picture: The FDT Program will deliver enduring transportation improvements for the Northeast Corridor (NEC), create economic opportunity, improve connectivity and upgrade local infrastructure in West Baltimore.

• This includes a state-of-the-art tunnel for electrified Amtrak and MARC passenger trains, a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station, the replacement of multiple city bridges that require repair or replacement, and remilling, regrading, or repaving several streets in the Program alignment area.

 

What’s next: This CIP Guide will be refined and updated over time as this unprecedented community investment program evolves. Amtrak is working with FRA to develop a formal community grant application and award process, as well as to finalize other CIP requirements necessary for effective community investments.

• Once the formal CIP application process launches, Amtrak will conduct extensive community outreach to help ensure eligible organizations are aware of the funding opportunities and prepared to apply.
• The CIP Guide will serve as an important educational tool to help prepare eligible organizations for the formal application process.

 

 Learn more: Visit the new CIP web page or read the full CIP Guide for a deeper dive into the various community investment eligibility requirements, investment categories, CIP administration, evaluations criteria and more.

 

*Transportation improvement projects may occur within ½ mile of the Program alignment.