Page 21 - Port of Baltimore Magazine November/December 2016

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan reaffirmed his commitment to improving the infrastructure of the Howard Street Tunnel. The goal is to expand the tunnel so it can handle double-stacked container trains
that travel to and from the Port of Baltimore. CSX and the state have committed $270 million for the project, and they are trying to acquire matching federal funds.
billion. There were also overriding concerns about disruption to the surrounding communities during construction.
More recently, however, CSX and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) have determined that new construction techniques would bring the price tag down to approximately $425 million, with a minimal impact to the community. One of these new techniques involves lowering the tunnel floor and notching the crown of the tunnel.
CSX and the state have already committed a combined minimum of $270 million toward this potential project, and Hogan is seeking federal funds for the balance of the project cost.
“I think the state is being very foresightful,” Ward said. “We’re very excited about getting the
FAST FACTS
Howard Street Tunnel
OPENED: 1895
LOCATION: Beneath Howard St. from
Mt. Royal Station to Camden Station
RAILROADS: CSX Railroad, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
FACT: National Register of Historic Places LENGTH: 1.7 miles with an additional
2.5 miles of bridges and clearances
Howard Street Tunnel Bridge Clearance