The Howard Street Tunnel plays a pivotal role in CSXT's extensive rail network, connecting major urban centers along the East Coast from Florida to New England. It holds particular significance by linking the Port of Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal Intermodal Container Transfer Facility to key consumer markets in the Midwest.
“This ambitious undertaking is poised to have a far-reaching impact, beyond the confines of the Howard Street Tunnel itself,” said Keith Chouinard, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Skanska USA Civil’s Mid-Atlantic region. “The enhancements introduced by this project are anticipated to amplify productivity at the Port of Baltimore and transform freight rail efficiency and capacity along the Mid-Atlantic corridor. The project's strategic contributions will foster economic growth, streamline logistics, and strengthen the nation's transportation infrastructure.”
With an emphasis on accommodating double-stack trains and ensuring the tunnel's continued relevance, the Skanska-Fay joint venture will execute a comprehensive improvement that entails track-lowering and tunnel enlargement techniques across the 1.7-mile expanse of the Howard Street Tunnel to increase the tunnel height from 19 to 21 feet. Additionally, drainage improvements will be made throughout the track. Construction will be undertaken while trains are actively using the tracks.
The tunnel is divided into three main sections: a concrete box section, a cut-and-cover section, and a mined tunnel section. This combination presents a unique construction challenge due to the diverse methods used in its original construction. The Skanska-Fay joint venture’s innovative approach centers on optimizing track profiles and alignments within the existing structure, achieving the prescribed horizontal and vertical clearances.
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Hatch will serve as the lead design engineer. The project has an anticipated completion date of June 2027.
