Amtrak awards contract for Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program

© Amtrak

Amtrak recently awarded the first Delivery Partner contract for the $6 billion Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program to ADVANCE, a joint venture between major infrastructure firms AECOM and Jacobs.

Under a Delivery Partner contract, a private partner shares in Amtrak’s risk and is incentivized to help the agency achieve program outcomes. The partner will conduct design oversight, construction management, contract management and other administrative support.

ADVANCE’s team and Amtrak’s Capital Delivery department will create a program management team.

“We’re proud to award this important Delivery Partner contract that will help continue the positive momentum for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program,” Laura Mason, Amtrak executive vice president of capital delivery, said. “Amtrak has built an industry-leading Capital Delivery department and continues to leverage innovative project delivery approaches like this, as we work to replace and modernize our critical infrastructure assets.”

The competitive procurement process began in early 2023.

ADVANCE has experience managing Delivery Partner and CMAR contracts for rail tunneling and train station projects. Its team is comprised of a consortium of industry-leading firms and 22 disadvantaged and small business enterprises.

Demolition is underway. Major construction is expected to begin later this year and will include utility relocations and the first of five bridges.