So I got word that the Feb 2020 issue was hitting the digital download... and immediately the cover was of the B&P. They did a story on it, it's history, the finalized plans, and that it's waiting for funding.
In short (skipping over the history), the replacement entails:
In short (skipping over the history), the replacement entails:
- Reworking the curve at the West Baltimore MARC station for a better angle of attack on the new tunnel and a high platform here.
- Four tracks.
- the portal opening east of the curve into the old B&P's Gilmor Street section.
- Tracks dive under the existing MTA Maryland subway, then track 3 will swing under track 1 and 2 and tuck between A and 1, for MARC service to be lined right. This duck-under will be right past Eutaw street.
- Tunnel end is... ew.. this is nasty. Right at exit 7A of the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83), between the main MTA Light Rail shop and the North Avenue Light Rail station. I had to pull out the FRA Record of Decision to get the dope on it, and it looks like it'll be tunneled right under the North Avenue station and pop out there. That's going to be risky.
- CHARLES interlock is getting reworked and extended.
- B&P gets closed after the trains are rerouted and "stored" until they decide what to do with it.
- Oh, and the price tag went up to $5B in today's money over $4.5B in 2017 money.
- ...and Gateway (Hudson River tunnels) is higher priority.
- ...and Amtrak is limited by law to $1.8B per year for everything.