HNTB to lead design for critical Maryland rail bridge replacements

The project focuses on replacing two structures that have become bottlenecks in Maryland’s rail network. By upgrading these spans, Amtrak intends to improve system resiliency and decrease the persistent maintenance demands associated with the current aging assets. The design phase will prioritize operational continuity, ensuring the corridor remains functional for daily passenger and cargo traffic throughout the construction process.

HNTB project manager Christian Brown noted that the initiative builds on a decades-long partnership between the firm and the rail operator. Greg May, the firm's Eastern U.S. rail and transit leader, emphasized that the team will leverage experience from similar complex projects, such as the ongoing Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement and New Jersey's Portal North Bridge. These bridge upgrades represent a significant component of Amtrak’s broader strategy to enhance performance and accommodate future growth across the entire Northeast Corridor.