On Monday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced it had awarded more than $16 billion to 25 passenger rail projects along the Northeast Corridor between Boston, Mass., and Washington, D.C.
The funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will create a world-class passenger rail system along one of the busiest passenger rail corridors in the country. The investment will support more than 100,000 good-paying construction jobs and advance Gateway Program projects, overhauling infrastructure that outdates 99 percent of all living Americans, FRA said. The projects include replacing or upgrading 12 major bridges and tunnels that are over 100 years old.
“Under President (Joe) Biden, we are finally delivering the generational investments in passenger rail that Americans have wanted for years, including modernizing the busiest rail corridor in the country,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “These investments will make our busiest passenger railroad safer, faster, and more reliable, which means fewer delays and shorter commutes for the 800,000 passengers who rely on the Northeast Corridor every day.”
The investments will upgrade tunnels, bridges, tracks, power systems, signals, stations and more, the FRA said, allowing for increased speeds, reduced travel time, and a more reliable experience for riders.
“The President’s investments in rail are the boldest ever, and they’re going to bring immediate benefits to communities and the economy while laying the foundation for generations of growth,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “On the heels of 70 nationwide rail projects announced last month—projects funded through FRA’s CRISI program that will make freight rail safer and strengthen supply chains—today’s investment will help ensure essential rail corridors like the Northeast Corridor are modern, safe, and convenient, giving Americans access to world-class passenger service.”
Funded projects include: $3.8 billion for the Hudson Tunnel Project Systems and Fit Out in New Jersey and New York, which will fund the final design and construction of the Hudson River Tunnel as well as the rehabilitation of the existing 113-year-old North River tunnels; $2.1 billion for the Susquehanna River Bridge Replacement Program in Maryland that will include the final design and construction for two new fixed, two-track bridges over the Susquehanna River between Havre De Grace and Perryville, Maryland to replace the existing 117-year-old structure; and up to $1.2 billion for the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation project in New York that will fund the final design and construction of the East River Tunnels in New York City.
The projects are expected to create over 100,000 jobs, as well as opportunities for small businesses. The program will make $36 billion available over the next five years, with $24 billion for projects in the Northeast Corridor ad $12 billion for intercity passenger rail projects and high-speed rail projects across the country.