B&P Tunnel Replacement Program Holes Through on Utility Siphon Tunnel

The B&P Tunnel Replacement Program recently achieved a major milestone for construction of a new 345-ft long utility tunnel that runs under the Northeast Corridor (NEC) railroad tracks. Last month, Amtrak’s contractor “broke through” the final section of rock pillar separating both sides of the tunnel, using controlled blasting.

The siphon tunnel is an essential enabling project for the future Frederick Douglass Tunnel. Once complete, it will carry key water, sewer, communication, and electrical utilities beneath the existing and future NEC railroad tracks.

Since Spring 2025, crews worked diligently on both shafts and tunnel in a coordinated effort. The east shaft reached its final depth in August 2025. The west shaft reached its final bottom elevation in February 2026, and the tunnel breakthrough occurred that same month.

Next, the team will begin routing existing utility lines through the tunnel and shafts and reconnecting them back into the main city systems. This work is expected to conclude in Fall 2027. When completed, this part of Baltimore will have modern, more reliable underground utility infrastructure that supports safer and more resilient service for neighboring communities.

The overall B&P Tunnel Replacement Program will replace the 150-year-old, 1.4-mile B&P Tunnel with two modern, electrified tubes about two miles long, allowing passenger trains to reach speeds up to 100 mph instead of today’s 30 mph. In 2024, Amtrak awarded a CMAR contract to the Kiewit/J.F. Shea JV for construction package A, which includes tunnel construction. The delivery partner is ADVANCE JV (AECOM/Jacobs), and WSP/Parsons JV serves as the engineer of record.