Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program
Construction Updates

Construction Updates

Below is a list of current construction activities for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program. Subscribe below for project updates, and contact the program team with any further questions.

Upcoming Activities – June 15

Pile Driving and Excavation 

Weather permitting, this week, crews will begin installing steel sheet pilings to support the areas being excavated (dug) for upcoming utility relocations. Work will occur behind the 800 block of Spedden St. 

  • Pile driving will take approximately two weeks to complete in this area
  • Residents can expect elevated noise from construction activities and moving equipment, such as jackhammering and equipment backup alerts

Manhole Work

Crews are scheduled to begin working on manholes, on or about June 24, 2025, at the following location:

  • The alleyway behind the 800 block of N Brice St

The street and alley will remain open during this time. Please use caution when traveling through these areas as crew members will be flagging to direct traffic.

Temporary Water Line Installation

On or about June 23, 2025, crews will begin to install a temporary water line in preparation for utility relocations along Rayner Ave. While we will maintain pedestrian access to homes during construction, there will be periods of time when the sidewalk may be closed. Please use caution when walking through this area.

Residents can also expect:

  • Parking restrictions
  • An increase of contractors in the area
  • An increase of construction equipment, noise, and dust

 

Please note: At this time, no interruptions to water service are expected. If this should change, we will contact customers.

 

Ongoing Activities

Excavation for Utility Siphon Tunnel 

Crews have mobilized on the 800 block of Spedden St. in preparation for construction of 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
  • There may be increased activity along Spedden St, N Pulaski St, W Lanvale St, and W Lafayette Ave as work ramps up
  • We will provide detour signage and/or flaggers to indicate any traffic modifications and to help motorists and pedestrians navigate through the area

 

Erosion and Sediment Controls 

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

 

Pile Driving and Excavation 

Crews will continue excavation efforts for the siphon tunnel and will install additional steel sheet piles behind the 900 block of N Payson Street and 700 block of N Pulaski Street. 

  • Residents can expect elevated noise from construction activities and moving equipment, such as jackhammering and equipment backup alerts

 

Manhole Work

  • Crews will continue working on manholes:
  • in the 1000 block of N Payson St and Mosher St
  • on N Pulaski St from Edmondson Ave to Harlem Ave

Please use caution when traveling through this area as flaggers will direct traffic.

Other Work 

  • 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, and N Brice Streets, 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 to install water lines along N Payson, N Pulaski, and N Brice Streets  
  • Impacted residents will receive additional notification prior to any expected water shut offs 

 

Traffic Modifications 

  • Full road closure of N Pulaski Street between W Lafayette Ave and Harlem Ave
  • Flaggers will be periodically directing traffic along N Payson Street due to ongoing construction activities

PLEASE NOTE: 

Crews will generally work Monday through Saturday from 7:00am to 5:00pm. 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.

Pre-Construction Soil Boring

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

  • The soil boring work involves the use of a drill rig.
  • In preparation for the work start, “No Parking” signs will be placed in the area where the drill rig will need to be set up. Please heed the “No Parking” signs. Please understand towing vehicles is our option of last resort, but it will be enforced if needed.
  • The soil boring work will take 5-10 days before moving to its next location, but schedules can be variable due to weather or other unforeseen interruptions.
  • You should expect noise levels consistent with drilling activities with increased noise levels in basements adjacent to the work.
 

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 [email protected] 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.

Read Amtrak's Full Notice Here

Demolition Activities

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:

  • Safeguard utilities
  • Control rodents
  • Manage asbestos
  • Salvage and remove usable items
  • Control dust
  • Monitor vibrations

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 [email protected], or call 443-423-1115.

Stay in Touch

For additional information about the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, email [email protected] or call (443) 423-1115 to speak to a member of the program team.