Gunpowder Bridge
Program Status
Preliminary Engineering
Quick Facts
Estimated Program Timeline
2030: Estimated Initiation of Construction
Latest Milestone
Spring 2026: PE Consultant Contract Awarded
Upcoming Milestones
2028: Completion of PE & NEPA
Funding Sources
FY22-23 Fed State Partnership Program with match by Amtrak and MDOT Maryland Transit Administration
Benefits
- State of Good Repair (SOGR)
- Maintaining reliable operations on the Northeast Corridor
- Increased capacity allowing for more frequent MARC and Amtrak service
Program Partners
MDOT Maryland Transit Administration
Contractors
PE & NEPA Phase Engineer:
HNTB
Planning Phase Sub-Contractors:
Structural Design: Hardesty & Hanover, LLC
Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP
Utility Investigation: Exodigo
Constructability Planning: Genesis Structures
Wetlands and Natural Resources: Coastal Resources
Environmental Analysis: Dovetail Resource Group
Survey: GdB Geospatial LS
The Gunpowder River Bridge is a critical component of the Northeast Corridor and carries over 100 trains per day. This century-old bridge is approaching the end of its useful life and is in need of replacement to maintain reliable service and accommodate high-speed operations.
The Gunpowder River Bridge Replacement Project will replace a century-old, nearly one-mile long, two-track bridge in northern Maryland, which serves Amtrak, MARC, and Norfolk Southern. The existing structure, approaching the end of its useful life, requires frequent maintenance and restricts passenger train speeds to 125 mph. The replacement will feature a modern bridge with increased track capacity, supporting speeds of 145 mph or higher, enhancing travel efficiency, reducing maintenance, and shortening trip times for passengers traveling between Washington, D.C., Boston, and other NEC destinations. The project also includes upgrades to track alignment, signal systems, and electric traction infrastructure to support higher speeds and improve operational reliability over the river crossing and its approaches.
The Gunpowder River Bridge Replacement Project abuts the Bush River Bridge Replacement Project.
