BALTIMORE – Clark Construction/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture has been selected by Amtrak as the construction contractor for the Southern Approach Package (package B) of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, according to an Amtrak news release. This is one of three major contracts to be awarded in work on the tunnel project.
The Frederick Douglass Tunnel will replace the B&P Tunnel through Baltimore, which dates to the time of the Civil War [see “Amtrak, Maryland announce new approach for replacement of B&P Tunnel,” News Wire, June 21, 2021]. The B&P Tunnel, which is mainly used by Amtrak and MARC commuter trains, has become a bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor.
“This award represents the culmination of years of hard work to deliver significant long-term improvements right in the heart of a vital segment of the Northeast Corridor,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery Laura Mason. “Building the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel along with the other program improvements is a win-win for Baltimore that will create thousands of jobs and improve the experience for thousands of customers who rely on this critical connection every day.”
The total investment for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel is estimated at approximately $6 billion, which is supported in part by federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, along with contributions from Amtrak and the State of Maryland.
“This progress is more evidence of how rail investments create jobs and opportunity in local communities,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “The Federal Railroad Administration is proud of our support of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel, and this project is one of several we plan to move forward through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and as part of our agency’s commitment to modernizing and expanding passenger rail.”
The Southern Approach Package is being delivered using a “construction manager at-risk” delivery method. Under this approach the construction manager commits to deliver the project at a guaranteed maximum price based on documentation and specifications at the time of contracting.
The Southern Approach Package contract includes:
- Building a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station
- Constructing the southern approach from south of the West Baltimore Station area and extending north to the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel south portal
- Replacing multiple railroad undergrade bridges including N. Warwick Avenue, W. Mulberry Street, and W. Franklin Street
- Replacing the Edmondson Avenue and W. Lafayette Avenue bridges
- Relocating and realigning various utilities
“This important milestone moves us one step closer to bringing the long-anticipated replacement of the B&P Tunnel into fruition,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Amtrak as we deliver this vital connection and enhance overall mobility for commuters in Baltimore and beyond.”
“The Frederick Douglass Tunnel is a critical infrastructure project which will improve mobility and access for riders across the region,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Improvements to the West Baltimore MARC station are key to the transforming MARC Train from commuter rail to regional rail.”
Additionally, separate contracts have been awarded to K.K. Adams and Delaware Cornerstone Builders, two local Small Business Enterprises that will complete supplemental preconstruction activities ahead of major construction.
Construction contracts for the other two major packages of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel are proceeding separately. Package A – the actual tunnel construction — is currently in the procurement phase with an award anticipated later this year. Package C – tunnel outfitting including track, systems, and ventilation — will be awarded sometime during 2025 and 2026.
Amtrak indicates the entire project will be completed in 2035.
Share this article
