Geotechnical Investigations Completed for B&P Tunnel Replacement Program

Over the weekend of Jan. 16-18, Amtrak’s contractor for the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program completed important geotechnical investigations to prepare for future construction of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel. The soil borings are a standard part of the process to confirm the current design assumptions and identify the best means and methods for any necessary ground stabilization for the future tunneling work.

This work took place at the northern limits of the future tunnel, just underneath the light rail tracks leading to the MTA’s North Avenue Light Rail Maintenance Facility. In order to accommodate this work, all Light Rail stops between Falls Road and Camden Station were closed from Friday through early Monday morning.

Amtrak appreciates the coordination with MDOT MTA to advance this important infrastructure investment, which when complete will eliminate the biggest source of passenger rail delays on the Northeast Corridor south of New Jersey.

FRA Administrator Robert Fink recently visited the Program site for an update on the construction progress, where crews are currently conducting major utility relocations and working to build a new railroad bridge over W Mulberry Street.

The Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project in Baltimore is a major rail infrastructure program replacing Amtrak’s 150-year-old Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel, a critical bottleneck on the Northeast Corridor. The approximately two-mile, twin-tube tunnel will serve electrified Amtrak and MARC passenger trains, allowing speeds up to about 100 mph and significantly improving reliability between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

In February 2024, Amtrak awarded a CMAR contract to Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture. In April 2024, Amtrak awarded a Delivery Partner contract to ADVANCE, a joint venture between major infrastructure firms AECOM and Jacobs.

Learn more about the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program in Amtrak’s latest newsletter from December 2025.