The engineering study for replacing the Susquehanna River bridge has officially begun. The study is funded by a $22 million HSIPR stimulus grant to complete the EIS and PE for the replacement bridge. A website has been set up for the study which is light on documents at this point as it has just gotten started. The first public outreach meeting is scheduled for April 28 in Havre de Grace if anyone in the area is interested in attending. From the NEC planning documents, it appears to me that they have pretty much settled on a 4 track or a split two 2 track replacement bridge, but in the alternative analysis phase, they have to address the no-build and refurbing the current bridge options.
The new bridge and track access is likely to impact park land and property in Havre de Grace, so the project may run into some opposition. The study area covers 3 miles on either side of the bridge, so it is not just the bridge itself, but the track configuration and placement leading to the bridge. With the study taking 3 years, it will likely take at least several more years after that before construction can even begin depending on how long it takes to get the funding.
Amtrak posted a news release on the official kick-off: Amtrak and Partners Advance Planning for New Susquehanna River Rail Bridge. Start of the news release:
"Amtrak, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has launched a preliminary engineering study for rehabilitation or possible replacement of the 108-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge. The study will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and examine various alternatives while considering environmental and historical impacts to the community.
The existing two-track bridge is a crucial link along the busy Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC), but is nearing the end of its useful life. Along with Amtrak and Maryland’s MARC Commuter Rail passenger trains, this section of the NEC is used by Norfolk Southern Railway to carry freight across the Susquehanna River. The bridge is owned by Amtrak."
Baltimore Sun article on the start of the study with comments from the officials in Perryville and Havre de Grace: Amtrak continues to study Susquehanna River bridge's future
I have not seen one yet, but I would expect that a website will be set up for the $60 million B&P Tunnel replacement study and engineering design. Perhaps someday every major bridge and set of tunnels on the NEC will have its own website!
The new bridge and track access is likely to impact park land and property in Havre de Grace, so the project may run into some opposition. The study area covers 3 miles on either side of the bridge, so it is not just the bridge itself, but the track configuration and placement leading to the bridge. With the study taking 3 years, it will likely take at least several more years after that before construction can even begin depending on how long it takes to get the funding.
Amtrak posted a news release on the official kick-off: Amtrak and Partners Advance Planning for New Susquehanna River Rail Bridge. Start of the news release:
"Amtrak, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), has launched a preliminary engineering study for rehabilitation or possible replacement of the 108-year-old Susquehanna River Rail Bridge. The study will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and examine various alternatives while considering environmental and historical impacts to the community.
The existing two-track bridge is a crucial link along the busy Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC), but is nearing the end of its useful life. Along with Amtrak and Maryland’s MARC Commuter Rail passenger trains, this section of the NEC is used by Norfolk Southern Railway to carry freight across the Susquehanna River. The bridge is owned by Amtrak."
Baltimore Sun article on the start of the study with comments from the officials in Perryville and Havre de Grace: Amtrak continues to study Susquehanna River bridge's future
I have not seen one yet, but I would expect that a website will be set up for the $60 million B&P Tunnel replacement study and engineering design. Perhaps someday every major bridge and set of tunnels on the NEC will have its own website!
Last edited by a moderator: