Amtrak award contracts for Frederick Douglass Tunnel Programme

Credit: Amtrak

Amtrak has achieved a significant milestone in the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Programme with the selection of the Clark Construction/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture as the first of three major construction contractors for this phase of construction to deliver the programme. The award follows a yearlong competitive procurement that began in June 2022 for the Southern Approach construction package.

“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,” Laura Mason, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery, said. “Building the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel along with the other programme 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 entire 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 (IIJA), 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,” Amit Bose, FRA Administrator, said. “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 modernising and expanding passenger rail.”

The Southern Approach Package (Package B) is being delivered using a Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) delivery method. The Package B 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 (N. Warwick Ave., W. Mulberry St., and W. Franklin St.)
• Replacing the Edmondson Ave. and W. Lafayette Ave. 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,” Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland Transportation Secretary, said. “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,” Holly Arnold, Maryland Transit Administrator, said. “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 (SBE) that will complete supplemental preconstruction activities ahead of major construction.

Construction contracts for other portions of the project are being procured separately:

• “Package A” – Frederick Douglass Tunnel construction. Currently in procurement; anticipated award later this year
• “Package C” – Tunnel Fit Out (tunnel track, systems and ventilation facilities). Future procurement details TBA; anticipated award in 2025/2026.

Amtrak continues to advance design, property acquisitions, and preparations for other smaller construction projects associated with the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Programme, which will transform the Northeast Corridor in West Baltimore and unlock the largest rail bottleneck between Washington, DC and New Jersey.

As the programme progresses, these major construction contracts will support and complement other work which Amtrak’s Infrastructure Maintenance and Construction Service (IMCS) team will complete. The first project, completed by IMCS this summer, included replacing aging wooden ties with new concrete ties, installing new rail and completing track drainage improvements, which improved ride quality, increased track speed and will minimise the impact of future construction activities on operations.