Howard Street Tunnel Project

Progressive Design-Build Delivery

Enlarged a 1.7-mile-long freight rail tunnel between Baltimore and Philadelphia

Originally constructed in 1895

Challenges

The Howard Street Tunnel is a 1.7-mile-long freight rail tunnel built in 1895. It runs along the Interstate-95 (I-95) rail corridor in the City of Baltimore .
The project required track lowering and structural modifications to accommodate the required tunnel height and allow the double-stacked containers to be transported through the tunnel.

Served as the prime designer and worked closely with the contractor and owner to evaluate different outage situations and create customized technical solutions while accounting for the effects on operation, cost, and schedule.
Used precast concrete invert slab to lower the tunnel invert.
Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the construction impacts on the existing adjacent infrastructure and designed mitigation measures to protect it from damage. Created an instrumentation and monitoring plan to monitor ground infrastructure movements during construction.
Devised the track alignment and profile to eliminate the need for tunnel roof notching, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the tunnel.
Worked with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to mitigate potential impacts to existing MTA assets.

The project is expected to enhance intermodal connectivity between markets on the east coast and the Midwest US, while reducing emissions and congestion along the I-95 corridor.
Used a progressive design-build approach, involving the design and construction of track-lowering and tunnel structural modifications.