B&P Tunnel Replacement Program
Construction Updates

Construction Notification

October 12, 2025

We are committed to delivering this Program with your safety as our top priority.

Upcoming Activities Manhole Work

Crews will begin working in the manholes along McMechen Street, near the MTA Light Rail Station, starting on or about October 13. This utility relocation work is in preparation for Amtrak’s future north portal and ventilation facility. Roads will remain open during this time, and crew members will be flagging to direct traffic as needed. Please use caution when traveling through the area, as other construction activities are also taking place nearby.

Water Line Installation

The 2000 block of Rayner Ave, between N Pulaski and N Payson St, remains closed (except to local traffic) while crews prepare to install a 30-inch water line. More details will be provided to residents as the work progresses. While we will maintain pedestrian access to homes during construction, there will be periods of time when the sidewalk may be closed.

Ongoing Activities

W Mulberry St closed between N Warwick Ave and N Smallwood St

To prepare for the construction of the new railroad bridge over W Mulberry St, crews have closed the section of W Mulberry St between N Warwick Ave and N Smallwood St. Travelers are encouraged to avoid the area unless needed and to download Waze to determine the best route to detour around the closure. This closure is expected to be in place until mid-2027.

What to expect for the remainder of the closure:

• Long-term detour signage
• Concrete and water-filled traffic dividers
• Closed lanes and detours on W Franklin St
• Repainted road and lane markings
• Modified traffic patterns

McMechen St Activities: Crews continue to perform construction activities along McMechen St near the MTA Light Rail Station. These activities are to prepare for upcoming utility relocations.

Work will include:

• Clearing and removing vegetation such as trees, shrubs and brush, roots, stumps, and other materials to provide a solid base for later construction work
• Demolishing the median between the MTA Light Rail facility and W North Ave to accommodate changing traffic patterns and future lane shifts
• Roadway utility excavation and installation

Users can expect:

• Lane closures, traffic pattern shifts and flaggers on McMechen St and North Ave
• Heavy equipment and construction crews working on site
• Noise, dust, and debris associated with demolition, excavation, and utility installation activities

W Mulberry St Activities

Crews are performing roadway excavation and manhole work along W Mulberry St between N Warwick Ave and N Smallwood St. This stretch of roadway and sidewalks remains closed to traffic and pedestrians while work continues. Business will remain open during the construction

Residents can expect:

• Increased presence of construction workers, equipment, and vehicles in the area
• Noise and dust associated with excavation and utility activities
• Traffic detours around the closed roadway and sidewalks

Construction of the Utility Siphon Tunnel

Crews are continuing work behind the 800 block of Spedden St on the utility siphon – a small tunnel that will relocate existing utilities under the existing Amtrak Northeast Corridor railroad tracks.

Contractors have installed sound barriers to reduce noise levels during construction and fencing around the perimeter of the construction area

Contractors have begun to mobilize large equipment to prepare for the siphon excavation

Erosion and Sediment Controls

To control stormwater flows leaving the construction site, contractors have installed temporary asphalt berms across Harlem Ave at N Pulaski St and across N Pulaski St at Harlem Ave. Travelers are advised to slow travel speeds as they move along these roads.

Other Construction Activities

• Crews continue to survey the area, complete preconstruction inspections, install instrumentation and monitoring devices, complete utility investigations, and work in manholes throughout the Program area
• Work continues on N Pulaski, W Lanvale, W Lexington, W North Ave, and N Brice St, primarily within fenced areas. While much of the activity is not immediately visible to the community, crews remain active throughout these construction zones
• Crews continue excavation for the large storm line behind the 900 block of N Payson St
• Crews are working on the east end of the utility siphon in the 700 block of N Pulaski St within fenced areas

Traffic Modifications

• Full road closure of N Pulaski St between W Lafayette Ave and Harlem Ave
• Full road closure (except local traffic) of Rayner Ave between N Pulaski St and N Payson St
• Full road closure of W Mulberry St between N Warwick Ave and N Smallwood St

We will provide detour signage and/or flaggers to indicate any traffic modifications and help motorists and pedestrians navigate through construction areas

PLEASE NOTE: Crews will generally work Monday through Saturday from 7:00am to 5:00pm unless working extended hours. Construction activities are subject to change and modifications to the schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Please use caution when traveling in construction areas.