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.
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.
Crews are scheduled to begin working on manholes, on or about June 24, 2025, at the following location:
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:
Please note: At this time, no interruptions to water service are expected. If this should change, we will contact customers.
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.
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.
Manhole Work
Please use caution when traveling through this area as flaggers will direct traffic.
Other Work
Traffic Modifications
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.
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 [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.
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 [email protected], or call 443-423-1115.
2025
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 about the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, email [email protected] or call (443) 423-1115 to speak to a member of the program team.