CSX reopens the expanded Howard Street Tunnel, a $450+ million project to modernize freight rail transportation along the East Coast. The tunnel, originally built from 1890-95, will now accommodate double-stacked intermodal trains, clearing a key I-95 corridor bottleneck. The project, completed in partnership with Maryland, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, will boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. Key facts include over 450,000+ man hours worked, 233 consecutive days of 24/7 work in the tunnel, and over 4,000 cubic yards of concrete placed. The project is expected to provide seamless double-stack capacity on rail from Maine to Florida, reducing congestion and emissions along the I-95 corridor while generating over 13,000 new jobs.
CSX President and CEO, Joe Hinrichs, called the completion of the Howard Street Tunnel a “once-in-a-generation achievement” that will drive commerce, jobs, and growth across Maryland and the East Coast. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the $125 million investment into the project, highlighting the administration’s commitment to enhancing freight rail efficiency. CSX Executive Vice President Mike Cory stated that the reopening of the tunnel allows the company to unleash the full strength of its network ahead of schedule. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the project’s transformative impact on the state and the Port of Baltimore, creating pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all.
The tunnel’s reopening marks a significant milestone, with key partnerships between CSX, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The project will strengthen the Port of Baltimore’s competitiveness and allow for double-stack trains to improve the supply chain. Mayor Brandon M. Scott praised the project for driving economic growth in Baltimore and beyond, while Maryland Acting Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle highlighted the efficiency gains from moving double-stacked cargo through the tunnel. The Howard Street Tunnel project is a testament to CSX’s commitment to modernizing historic infrastructure for future growth and connectivity.
Read more at GlobeNewswire: CSX Reopens Expanded Howard Street Tunnel Ahead of