Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel Project
MEETING AGENDA Project Background Review Purpose of Meeting Alternatives Carried Forward for Further Study Alternatives Evaluated & Screening Process Portal Renderings Ventilation Plants Alternatives Evaluation Matrix Next Steps
PROJECT BACKGROUND What is the B&P Tunnel Project? Engineering and environmental study (NEPA) to develop and evaluate alternatives to the existing Amtrak tunnel that connects the West Baltimore MARC and Baltimore Penn Stations Evaluation of alternatives designed to improve capacity, reliability and travel time for existing and projected passenger rail service on Amtrak s Northeast Corridor (NEC)
PROJECT TEAM Grantor/NEPA Lead Grantee Tunnel Owner Project Partner
B&P TUNNEL DESCRIPTION Constructed in 1873 Spans 1.4 miles and comprises three tunnels: John Street Tunnel Wilson Street Tunnel Gilmor Street Tunnel Located on Amtrak s Northeast Corridor (NEC) Used by Amtrak, MARC, and Norfolk Southern 143 passenger trains (21,600 passengers) per day 2 freight trains per day 5
ALTERNATIVES B&P TUNNEL LOCATION CONSIDERED 6
PROJECT PURPOSE The primary purpose of the project is to address the structural and operational deficiencies of the existing B&P Tunnel which: Is approaching the end of its useful life Does not provide enough capacity to support current and projected demands Is not suited for modern high-speed usage due to tight clearances and sharp curves, which limit train speeds through the tunnel to 30 mph
PROJECT PURPOSE (CONT D) The B&P Tunnel Project is intended to: Improve travel time Accommodate existing and projected travel demand for passenger rail services (regional and commuter) Eliminate impediments to existing and projected operations along the NEC Provide operational reliability Take into account the value of the existing tunnel as an important element of Baltimore's rail infrastructure 8
ALTERNATIVES ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD CONSIDERED 9
ALTERNATIVE REFINEMENT The project team has been refining the Alternatives carried forward for detailed study. During this time, the team has determined that: Four (4) tracks will be required to meet the project purpose and need Each track will be placed in an individual bore to help with traffic operations Options to the two build alternatives (3 and 11) can help to avoid and/or minimize impacts to operation 10
TRACK OPERATIONS Four tracks are needed through Baltimore to accommodate future high-frequency passenger train service on the Northeast Corridor (NEC). Four tracks located in four separate tunnel bores are proposed. Four tracks support train capacity requirements and operational flexibility for conflict-free operations. 11
ALTERNATIVE 1: NO BUILD Continued use of existing tunnel with necessary maintenance Used as a baseline to compare other alternatives against If Alternative 1 is not selected, the ultimate disposition or use of the existing tunnel will still need to be determined 12
ALTERNATIVE 2 Reconstruction and modernization of the existing B&P Tunnel in place: Would eliminate deteriorating conditions and result in a modernized 2-track tunnel Would include complete replacement of tunnel features Would require cut-and-cover construction for the full width of the street along the length of the existing alignment Would result in significant disruption of passenger service during construction 13
ALTERNATIVE 2 DETAILS Reconstruction of tunnel to modern design standards Increase horizontal tunnel clearance +/- 18 ft. Increase vertical tunnel clearance +/- 5 ft Cut-and-cover construction for full width of street along entire alignment All tracks along NEC would need to be closed during construction 14
OPTIONS TO ALTS 3 & 11 15
COMPARISON OF ALT 3 OPTIONS Alternative 3 Option 3A Wide arc north of existing B&P Tunnel Gradual curve improves train speeds relative to existing B&P Tunnel Passes beneath existing light rail station platform Would be bored beneath existing Metro rail tunnel, no modification needed No modifications needed to West Baltimore MARC Station Alternative 3 Option 3B Similar to Alternative 3A with south portal shifted further east Improves curvature over 3A and existing B&P Tunnel Passes beneath existing light rail platform Would be bored beneath existing Metro rail tunnel, no modifications needed Would improve curve at West Baltimore MARC Station Alternative 3 Option 3C Similar to Alternative 3A with south portal shifted further west Would improve curve at West Baltimore MARC Station 16
ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION A SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING 17
ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION A SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING 18
ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION A SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING CLOSE-UP 19
ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION A SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING CLOSE-UP 20
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION B SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING 21
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION B SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING 22
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION B SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING CLOSE UP 23
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION B SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING CLOSE UP 24
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION C SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING 25
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION C SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING 26
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION C SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING CLOSE UP 27
ALTS. CARRIED FORWARD ALTERNATIVE 3 OPTION C SOUTH PORTAL RENDERING CLOSE UP 28
ALTERNATIVES 3 & 11 NORTH PORTAL RENDERING 29
ALTERNATIVES 3 & 11 NORTH PORTAL RENDERING 30