The CSXT Howard Street Tunnel (HST) was part of CSXT’s modernization initiative to enable double-stack service along its East Coast rail network. This project increased freight capacity while supporting expansion at the Port of Baltimore, which can now move approximately 160,000 additional containers annually.
The project’s Progressive Design-Build (PDB) team was a joint venture between CSXT, Hatch and Skanska that formed more than a year before the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), giving the team time to establish a unified pursuit strategy well before procurement. PDB supported a highly collaborative and innovative approach throughout the project’s 233 days of continuous 24/7 operations. The work finished 20 months ahead of schedule and $93 million below the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
This modernization of the 130-year-old tunnel was completed entirely within CSX’s existing rights-of-way, minimizing potential impacts to the surrounding community and stakeholders. The HST also supports more than 14,000 jobs, while expanding rail capacity.
Design-Build Done Right®at Its Finest
The project incorporated DBIA standard-form contract language to establish a structured framework for the design-builder and Owner as they finalized the project agreement and construction process. These contracts also supported coordination among HST Project stakeholders that included the State of Maryland, Port of Baltimore, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). These stakeholders, all with direct interests in the project outcome, participated in regular coordination meetings and had access to the design and decision making process from the beginning.
The HST Project’s use of DBIA’s Best Practices allowed the team to create double-stack capability within the existing tunnel footprint, more than doubling freight container capacity without requiring new land, additional right-of-way or disturbance to public or private property. The expanded tunnel capacity also reduces overall freight costs and emissions, improves supply chain efficiency and decreases truck traffic along the I-95 corridor.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | CSXT |
| Design-Builder: | Skanska Fay Joint Venture |
| General Contractor: | Skanska Fay Joint Venture |
| Engineers: | Hatch; Whitman Requardt and Associates (WRA) |
| Specialty Contractors: | Kelley Engineered Equipment; Foundation Test Group (FTG); Mona Electric; Coastal Precast; US Concrete Products |
| Project Cost: | $200,000,000 |
| Construction Duration: | 21 months |
Photos
Photo Credits: Skanska Fay Joint Venture