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Amtrak Advances Innovative B&P Tunnel Replacement Program Procurements

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Amtrak

Amtrak announces new Delivery Partner model; Charts path for additional work

BALTIMORE – In a major step forward for the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program, Amtrak will be seeking a Delivery Partner to support the successful execution of the project to replace the nearly 150-year-old tunnel. In a Delivery Partner model, the private partner takes on substantial risk-sharing, impacting overall project outcomes. More than two dozen industry leaders responded to Amtrak’s recent Request for Information (RFI), which invited feedback on use of the Delivery Partner model.

“Amtrak received strong industry response to the Delivery Partner RFI, demonstrating a significant appetite for a private partner with ‘skin in the game’ to ensure a successful project delivery,” said Amtrak’s Vice President, Program Development & Project Services, Tony Ryan. “Timely advancement of this program is critical as we work to modernize and transform the Northeast Corridor, reducing delays and adding capacity for the future.”

Solicitation for the Delivery Partner is expected to launch in January 2023. The Delivery Partner engagement complements the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the first phase of the Program, the Southern Approach, which is already in the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of procurement. The Southern Approach CMAR solicitation includes:

  • the new ADA-compliant West Baltimore MARC Station
  • all major excavation for the approach to the south portal for the new tunnel and bridge construction
  • some utility and roadway work

This CMAR procurement represents the first major project procurement since Amtrak was awarded the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. This is Amtrak’s first use of the CMAR alternate delivery method, which will improve project delivery time and allow design, pre-construction and pricing work to proceed simultaneously. Collaboration on the design offers an opportunity for innovation and reduces the risk to Amtrak for substantial changes to the scope of work later.

In partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program will replace the existing B&P Tunnel with the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel, named for the Maryland native and renowned civil rights leader. As part of the larger strategy to increase capacity and reliability on the Northeast Corridor, the existing B&P Tunnel will be dedicated to freight service, and the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel will be focused solely on passenger service.

Once complete, the new tunnel system will improve travel times for approximately nine million passengers each year who rely on the Northeast Corridor for service, including Amtrak AcelaNortheast Regional, and long-distance trains, as well as the MARC Penn Line.

Future construction packages for the Program will be announced in 2023. This will include one tunnel package for the twin bore tunnel construction work, featuring two parallel tunnels, each containing a single rail track.

Source: Amtrak

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The Flawed Perspective on High-Speed Rail in the United States

High-speed rail: Overcoming obstacles, embracing benefits

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High speed train in motion at the railway station.

In a recent article titled “Why High-Speed Bullet Trains Won’t Work in the U.S. Right Now,” published in Scientific American, the author presents a pessimistic view on the feasibility of high-speed rail in the United States. While the article highlights the need for significant infrastructure upgrades, it fails to acknowledge the potential benefits and long-term value of investing in high-speed rail. This article aims to address the flaws in the argument presented and shed light on the importance of embracing high-speed rail as a transformative transportation solution.

Outdated Infrastructure and its Implications:

The article correctly points out that the existing rail infrastructure in the United States is not designed to handle high-speed trains. The tracks, bridges, tunnels, and power lines were built over a century ago for slower commuter and freight services. However, this observation overlooks the fact that high-speed rail requires dedicated tracks designed for faster speeds, similar to those found in many European and Asian countries.

The Need for Investment and Modernization:

To bring high-speed rail to the United States, significant investments are required to upgrade the aging infrastructure. President Joe Biden has recognized the importance of high-speed rail and has included it as one of the key initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. While the article highlights the financial challenges involved, it fails to acknowledge the long-term environmental and economic benefits that high-speed rail can bring.

Obstacles to Overcome:

The article outlines four key obstacles that complicate the implementation of high-speed rail in the United States. These include the need for track improvements, adherence to Buy America policies, a lack of domestic rail industry, and the need for adequate funding. While these challenges are indeed significant, they should not discourage the pursuit of high-speed rail. Instead, they should serve as opportunities to address and overcome these obstacles collectively.

Benefits of High-Speed Rail:

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High-speed rail offers numerous advantages that can revolutionize transportation in the United States. It provides a greener alternative to driving and flying, reducing carbon emissions and alleviating congestion on highways and in airports. Additionally, high-speed rail enhances accessibility, connecting cities and regions more efficiently, boosting tourism, and stimulating economic growth along the rail corridors.

The Path Forward:

Despite the current limitations, progress is being made in bringing high-speed rail to the United States. Amtrak has plans to introduce new high-speed rail cars on the Northeast Corridor, albeit with speed restrictions due to the outdated infrastructure. The expansion of tracks capable of accommodating high-speed trains is also underway, with a goal of reaching speeds up to 160 mph on 100 additional miles of track in the next 12 years.

While the Scientific American article highlights the challenges and limitations associated with implementing high-speed rail in the United States, it fails to recognize its transformative potential and the long-term benefits it can bring. While significant investments and infrastructure upgrades are necessary, embracing high-speed rail presents an opportunity to revolutionize transportation, reduce carbon emissions, enhance connectivity, and spur economic development. By acknowledging the importance of high-speed rail and working collectively to overcome the obstacles, the United States can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.

Read the artuicle: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-high-speed-bullet-trains-wont-work-in-the-u-s-right-now/

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Give feedback on proposed transit option for West Phoenix

Residents asked to weigh in on proposed transit type and route for West Phoenix. Public meetings held virtually on Sep. 21 and in person Sept. 27

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Image Credit: Valley Metro

Phoenix – Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix are seeking community feedback on the recommendation for the West Phoenix High-Capacity Transit Alternatives Analysis. The comprehensive study, initiated in fall 2022, seeks to identify a high-capacity transit option for West Phoenix residents.

The project team will host two public meetings and have an open public comment period to gather input on the recommended transit route and mode for West Phoenix, noted below. 

Meetings will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, September 21, 2023 (virtual)
6 p.m.
Join online at valley-metro.webex.com

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (in person)
6-8 p.m.
Desert West Community Center
6501 W. Virginia Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85035

The recommendation is for light rail transit on the route highlighted below:

Both meetings will provide identical presentation materials and be available in English and Spanish. View digital flyer with more information here.

Presentation materials along with a public comment form to submit feedback will be available on the project website through October 6, 2023.

Source: Valley Metro

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Amtrak’s Case for Immediate Union Station Takeover: A Turning Point in Pursuit of Modernization

“Amtrak’s urgent court case for Union Station takeover: A pivotal moment for modernization efforts.”

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View of Union Station in Washington DC at night. United States

Amtrak made a compelling case in court for the immediate takeover of Union Station in Washington, D.C. The company argued that seizing control of the station’s leasing rights from Union Station Investco (USI), a private company, is necessary to modernize the nation’s second-busiest intercity train hub. The hearing, presided over by Judge Amit P. Mehta, highlighted the growing tension between Amtrak and USI in recent months.

Amtrak had been engaged in settlement discussions with USI but reached an impasse after multiple meetings failed to produce a mutually agreeable purchase price. With increasing vacancies and a decline in ridership at Union Station, Amtrak sees the takeover as a crucial step towards revitalizing the transit hub.

The case represents a turning point in Amtrak’s efforts to assume control over the station’s operations and management, enabling them to pursue multibillion-dollar investments. Union Station is set to undergo a significant makeover in the coming decades, and Amtrak aims to play a central role in its transformation.

As the court proceedings continue, we eagerly await updates on this story. Amtrak’s pursuit of Union Station marks an important development in the future of intercity rail travel and the revitalization of one of the nation’s key transportation hubs. Stay tuned for further developments as this situation unfolds.

To learn more about this story, please read: https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/09/11/amtrak-eminent-domain-union-station-dc/

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