Skanska-Fay JV win tunnel modernisation contract

The project involves the modernisation of the 125-year-old tunnel to accommodate double-stacked trains. The works include lowering the track and enlarging the 2.75km-long tunnel to increase the height from 5.8m to 6.4m. Drainage will also be improved.

The rail line will remain open while the work is carried out.

Skanska says the combination of three methods used in the original tunnel construction – concrete box, cut and cover, and mining – provide a challenge for the modernisation programme. The Skanska-Fay JV’s approach will centre on optimising track profiles and alignments within the existing structure, to achieve the prescribed horizontal and vertical clearances.

Hatch will serve as the lead design engineer. The project is due to be completed in June 2027.

The Howard Street Tunnel is in the heart of Baltimore City, along CSXT’s I-95 rail corridor and plays a pivotal role in CSXT’s rail network, connecting major urban centres along the east coast from Florida to New England. It also links the Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal Intermodal Container Transfer Facility to key consumer markets in the mid-west.

“Having worked on this corridor with CSXT on several other projects, we know the importance in enabling the passage of double-stacked trains with the completion of this project while maintaining rail traffic during the construction of this project,” said Peter MacKenna, president and CEO of S&B USA Construction (parent company of Fay).