Below is a list of current construction activities. Subscribe below for project updates, and contact the program team with any further questions.
We are committed to delivering this Program with your safety as our top priority.
Duct Bank Installation
On or about November 10th, crews will begin working on an electric duct bank in the alleyway between the 2000 blk of Lanvale St and 2000 blk of Rayner Ave. We will maintain access to the alley at this time. Residents can expect an increase in construction workers, equipment, and vehicles in this area.
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.
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 construction.
What to expect for the remainder of the closure:
• 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
• 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
Concrete and Asphalt Patching
Construction crews have started permanent concrete and asphalt patching to restore roadways. Crews are working on North Ave, Ducatel St, Eutaw St, and Jordan St Alley and will continue through November 2025. Work on each roadway will be scheduled separately, so start and completion times will vary by location. At this time, full road closures are not anticipated.
Residents can expect
• An increase in construction workers, equipment, and vehicles
• Flaggers directing traffic in these areas
McMechen St Activities
Crews continue to perform construction activities along McMechen St near the MTA Light Rail Station. This utility relocation work is in preparation for Amtrak’s future north portal and ventilation facility.
This work includes:
• 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
Duct Bank Installation
Crews continue to work on duct banks on N Pulaski St from Edmondson Ave to Harlem Ave. Please adhere to ‘no parking’ signage. Residents can expect flaggers in the area, as well as an increase in construction equipment and crews in the roadway.
Water Line Installation
The 2000 block of Rayner Ave, between N Pulaski St and N Payson St, remains closed (except to local traffic) while crews install a 30-inch water line. While we will maintain pedestrian access to homes during construction, there will be periods of time when the sidewalk may be closed.
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 near the intersection of Harlem Ave and N Pulaski St. 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
We will provide detour signage and/or flaggers to indicate any traffic modifications and help motorists and pedestrians navigate through construction areas
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.
Amtrak is committed to keeping you informed and providing you with updates regarding construction activities related to the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program that may impact your neighborhood.
You may have recently noticed work crews in your community. They are conducting soil borings across the Program alignment as a continuation of our pre-construction activities for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program.
Here’s What to Expect
Why This Work is Needed
The soil boring process is a pre-construction activity that involves the use of a drill rig drilling a hole into the ground to retrieve a soil sample, which is tested to determine how suitable the soil is for construction.
Questions
For additional information on the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program please email us at FDTunnel@Amtrak.com or call 443-423-1115.
The Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program will modernize and transform a 10-mile section of the Northeast Corridor to improve rail service reliability, reduce travel times, and support economic and community development in West Baltimore.
The acquisition of properties for the construction of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program (Program) began in 2023. In total, 47 properties (residential and commercial) will be demolished. Starting in Spring 2024, demolition contractors K&K Adams and Delaware Cornerstone Builders began to demolish acquired properties to support Program construction.
Here’s What to Expect
Contractor crews will mobilize demolition machinery and install fencing lined with screening fabric around sites to be demolished. Each site may take approximately two to three weeks to complete but the timelines vary depending on unique site conditions, weather, and any unexpected site discoveries. Typical work hours are Monday through Saturday 8am to 5pm with the possibility of Sunday work if needed. Both contractors have secured approved areas for their equipment to be stored at night.
Important Information Related to the Demolition Work
The contractors are experienced in performing demolition work and are familiar with all applicable industry standards for safety and the rules and regulations required by OSHA, Maryland Department of the Environment, and the City of Baltimore for these permitted activities. In addition to the actual demolition work, each contractor will:
Each contractor has a detailed workplan for each group of properties to be demolished, including how adjacent properties will be protected during this process. After demolition is complete, the contractors will install permanent fencing.
Questions
For additional information on the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program please visit our website fdtunnel.com, email us at FDTunnel@Amtrak.com, or call 443-423-1115.
2025
10.12.2025 Construction Updates
09.14.2025 Construction Updates
09.01.2025 Construction Updates
08.10.2025 Construction Updates
07.27.2025 Construction Updates
07.13.2025 Construction Updates
07.01.2025 Construction Updates
06.15.2025 Construction Updates
06.01.2025 Construction Updates
05.18.2025 Construction Updates
05.04.2025 Construction Updates
04.20.2025 Construction Updates
04.06.2025 Construction Updates
03.23.2025 Construction Updates
03.09.2025 Construction Updates
02.23.2025 Construction Updates
02.09.2025 Construction Updates
01.26.2025 Construction Updates
01.12.2025 Construction Updates
2024
12.02.2024 Construction Updates
11.11.2024 Construction Updates
10.28.2024 Construction Updates
10.14.2024 Construction Updates
10.07.2024 Construction Updates
09.23.2024 Construction Updates
07.10.2024 Construction Updates
2023
For additional information, email bptunnel@amtrak.com or call (443) 423-1115 to speak to a member of the Program team.