Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program
Construction Updates

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.