Amtrak holding public meetings on Frederick Douglass Tunnel project

Summary

Amtrak is planning to modernize the 150-year-old Frederick Douglass Tunnel in West Baltimore, aiming to improve train services between cities like Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York, and Boston. The project includes constructing a new tunnel with two tubes and high-level platforms to reduce travel times. However, there is controversy, as the construction will impact predominantly Black and low-income communities in the area, sparking concerns from residents. Public meetings will be held to address these concerns, with the first one scheduled at Mary and Wetterling Elementary School.

Takeaways

• 🚧 Amtrak plans to modernize the old Frederick Douglass Tunnel corridor with a $6 million project.
• 🚄 The tunnel will improve train services between cities like Baltimore, Washington D.C., Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
• 🏙️ The project will impact a 10-mile area in West Baltimore, causing concerns among local residents.
• 👥 Some residents, particularly in predominantly Black and low-income communities, are worried about the project's effects.
• 🏗️ Amtrak has not yet started construction on the affected Edmondson area, but noise notifications are expected soon.
• 🛤️ The new tunnel will have two tubes serving MARC and Amtrak riders, improving transit efficiency.
• ⏱️ The modernized tunnel is expected to allow MARC trains to travel from West Baltimore to Washington D.C. in just 30 minutes.
• 📅 Public meetings are being held to address community concerns, with the first one starting tomorrow night at 6:00 PM.
• 🏘️ The current 150-year-old corridor runs through neighborhoods like Winchester, Upton, Bolton Hill, and Reservoir Hill.
• 📄 The Reservoir Hill Association filed a complaint in May, expressing concerns about the project's potential impact on their community.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project?

The primary goal of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project is to modernize the old train corridor to improve train services to destinations like Baltimore, Washington D.C., Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.

How much funding has been secured for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project?

Amtrak officials have secured $6 million for the project.

Why is the project facing controversy in West Baltimore?

The controversy stems from concerns that the transformation of a 10-mile area in West Baltimore could negatively impact predominantly Black and low-income communities.

Which neighborhoods will be affected by the new tunnel construction?

The neighborhoods affected include Winchester, Upton, Bolton Hill, and areas around Edmondson.

What are the main features of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel?

The new Frederick Douglass Tunnel will have two tubes to serve both MARC and Amtrak riders, and high-level platforms that will enable faster train service, reducing travel time between West Baltimore and Washington D.C. to half an hour.

What concerns did the Reservoir Hill Association raise about the project?

The Reservoir Hill Association filed a complaint in May, expressing concerns about the project potentially impacting predominantly Black and low-income communities in the area.

Has construction started on the new tunnel?

No, construction has not started yet. However, neighbors expect to receive a notice about expected construction noise within one or two weeks.

What specific information will be provided at the upcoming public meetings?

The public meetings will address community concerns, provide updates on the project, and answer questions about potential impacts on local neighborhoods.

When and where is the first in-person public meeting scheduled?

The first in-person public meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night at 6:00 PM at the Mary and Wetterling Elementary School.

What is the significance of the current 150-year-old corridor in West Baltimore?

The 150-year-old corridor is a historic train route that currently runs through several West Baltimore neighborhoods and is set to be modernized as part of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project to improve train service efficiency and safety.