Baltimore and Potomac (B&P) Tunnel Project

Environmental Impact Statement:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), as the lead federal agency, and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) prepared a Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq. (NEPA) for the B&P Tunnel Project (Project). The EIS considered the rehabilitation or replacement of the 1.4-mile-long rail tunnel located along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in Baltimore, Maryland. The B&P Tunnel is owned by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and is used for Regional and Acela intercity passenger trains, Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) passenger trains, and Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) freight trains. Built in 1873, the B&P Tunnel is one of the oldest structures on the NEC. The NEPA process for the Project involved extensive public outreach  to ensure the public is informed, including several opportunities for public comment on findings and recommendations. Outreach efforts included several open houses and community association meetings, elected official briefings, three public hearings, and a project website. FRA released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on November 25, 2016, which summarized the alternatives evaluation from Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), including review of the alternatives, their ability to meet the purpose and need of the Project, and their potential impacts to the social, cultural, and natural environment. 

Record of Decision:

On March 24, 2017, FRA issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for the B&P Tunnel Project, documenting the selection of the Preferred Alternative (Alternative 3B) and three ventilation facilities, one each at the North and South portals and the intermediate ventilation facility site at 900-940 West North Avenue.

Amtrak, the Project Sponsor and infrastructure owner, is advancing the Project. The most current information regarding the status of the Project is available on Amtrak's website. The Project is not currently funded for construction. If you have questions related to the NEPA process for the Project, please contact Eric Rothermel, FRA Environmental Protection Specialist, at eric.rothermel@dot.gov, or send your comments to:

Eric Rothermel
Federal Railroad Administration
RRD-30: Office of Environmental Program Management 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
West Building, Mail Stop 20
Washington, DC 20590

Permitting Dashboard

The U.S. Permitting Dashboard is an online tool for Federal agencies, project sponsors, and interested members of the public to track the Federal government's environmental review and authorization processes for large or complex infrastructure projects. The Dashboard is part of a government-wide effort to improve coordination, transparency, and accountability. A link to this Project's page on the Dashboard is below.

• Permitting Dashboard Link