Maryland still seeking federal funds for CSX Howard Street Tunnel

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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CSX’s Michael Ward and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan discuss the benefits of double-stack trains to the Port of Baltimore on Oct. 24.
Port of Baltimore

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and CSX Chairman and CEO Michael Ward reaffirmed their pledge to find a way to make the infrastructure improvements needed to Baltimore's Howard Street Tunnel.

The 121-year-old tunnel is in need of work to allow double-stack containers, which would help Maryland’s Port of Baltimore gain a competitive edge and increase production.

Height restrictions within CSX‘s Howard Street Tunnel currently prevent the shipment of double-stacked intermodal containers by rail to and from the Port of Baltimore. Gov. Hogan’s office said this puts Baltimore at a competitive disadvantage as all other major East Coast ports have double-stack rail capacity.

“Allowing for double-stacked trains to travel through the Howard Street Tunnel won’t just transform the Port of Baltimore and dramatically increase production – it will create thousands of jobs and benefit the entire state. Our administration is committed to getting it done,” said Gov. Hogan.

Reconstructing the Howard Street Tunnel to allow double-stack containers has been on the radar for years, but initial project estimates put the cost between $1 billion and $3 billion. The governor’s office said that by utilizing recent advances in construction technology including a technique that involves lowering the floor and notching the crown of the tunnel, CSX and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) have determined it is now possible to provide double-stack clearance in the tunnel and under the nine bridges for $425 million with minimal impact to the community. CSX and the state have committed a combined minimum of $270 million towards this effort and the state is seeking federal funds for the balance of the project cost.

Gov. Hogan said the state intends to reapply for the next round of federal FASTLANE funding to assist with the completion of this project. MDOT applied but was denied during the first round of FASTLANE grants that were awarded earlier in the year.

“This transformational critical-infrastructure project will further position the port and existing Maryland businesses for a bright future, as well as help attract new businesses to the state. Additionally, this project will create jobs while helping to make commutes safer and quicker and improving air quality,” said Ward.

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