Amtrak boosts susquehanna bridge replacement with key contracts

Friday, December 22, 2023

Amtrak has chosen the Flatiron/Herzog Joint Venture as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor for the construction of two new bridges, associated track work, and two supporting contracts facilitating the replacement of the 117-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge.

The announcement comes after a competitive procurement process initiated in 2022, complemented by extensive industry outreach, including an “Industry Day” to generate interest in the Northeast Corridor (NEC) project.

Laura Mason, the Executive Vice President for Capital Delivery at Amtrak, conveyed, “By securing these contracts, we are on the brink of initiating a pivotal project. This endeavor will alleviate a major bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor, leading to shorter travel times and enhanced reliability for both passenger and freight transportation throughout the northeastern region.”

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently announced grant funding of up to $2.08 billion to support the final design and construction of this project, along with 24 other projects totaling over $16.4 billion of federal investment across the NEC. The project involves replacing the longest moveable bridge on the NEC, the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge, with two newly constructed two-track fixed bridges, accompanied by modernization of overhead power, signal, safety, and security systems.

The existing bridge, used by Amtrak, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) rail, and Norfolk Southern, poses capacity and reliability constraints due to the necessity for trains to slow to a speed of 90 mph when crossing.

Construction of the new bridges will be executed through the CMAR delivery method, an innovative approach previously employed in the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program. Additionally, Amtrak has awarded contracts to an AECOM-led team for project and construction management, and Fay Construction for the demolition of 10 remnant piers from an 1866 railroad bridge, both integral to the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Replacement Program.

In response to the disclosure, FRA Administrator Amit Bose commented, “Under President Biden’s commitment to the Investing in America agenda and with the resources allocated in his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are at last undertaking the replacement and restoration of aging bridges and tunnels. Simultaneously, we are advancing the modernization of nationally significant infrastructure along America’s most bustling rail corridor.”

Various senators and congressmen, including Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman Andy Harris, commended the progress, emphasizing the significance of federal investment in upgrading critical rail infrastructure.

Holly Arnold, Administrator MTA, expressed pride in partnering with Amtrak on this essential project, highlighting the positive impact of infrastructure investments on the future of transit in Maryland.

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