Amtrak installing new heavy steel fence along HSR tracks in Maryland

Amtrak is installing a heavy steel, eight-foot high, high-security fence along a portion of its high-speed tracks in Middle River, Maryland, to deter access to the railroad. Beginning in late April, work will begin on the installation of new fencing on both sides of the tracks from Martin Boulevard southwest to where it meets up with an existing fence. A portion of the existing fence also will be replaced. In all, more than 6,400 feet of fencing will be installed and additional "No Trespassing" signs will be posted. The $3.1 million project will take approximately six months to complete. When completed, there will be nearly two miles of continuous fencing from Martin Boulevard to Stemmers Run Road. Individuals may use the pedestrian underpass at Martin Boulevard, which will also be improved as part of the project, to safely cross to the other side of the tracks. "The new fence will make it harder for a person to access the tracks, but to achieve maximum safety, individuals must make the right decision to stay off the tracks and not use it as a shortcut," sayid Amtrak Chief of Police John O'Connor. "Our most important goal is safety," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. "I am pleased Amtrak is taking these significant steps, building taller and stronger fencing. I thank everyone who had a role in this project, working together to make Middle River a safer community for everyone." The Middle River community is located about 11 miles north of Baltimore and is within the busy Northeast Corridor, home to frequent and daily Amtrak train service. The section of track where the fence is being installed includes Acela Express and Northeast Regional service, which operate at speeds up to 125 mph as well as some freight train traffic.