Intercity Passenger Rail Services
The HNTB Companies Infrastructure Solutions
Delivering Transformative Solutions
At HNTB, we’re collaborating with our clients and partners to deliver intercity rail solutions that put passengers first and transform everyday mobility.
Working from a foundation of collaboration, innovation and unparalleled technical excellence, HNTB addresses the unique needs and goals of each client, and, utilizing our top industry expertise and wide range of services, we provide critical support for every phase of the project life cycle.
Together, we’re ushering forth a new era of safe, reliable and accessible transportation systems.
Our Services
HNTB provides a full range of planning, program management, design and construction management services for public transit, high-speed and intercity passenger rail including:
ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
BRIDGE AND TRACK INSPECTIONS
BRIDGE/TUNNELS
COMMUNICATIONS/SCADA
DESIGN SERVICES
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS
DISASTER RECOVERY
ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND BENEFIT-COST
ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION AND PERMITTING
FLEET AND FACILITIES
FUNDING STRATEGIES AND GRANT WRITING
MAINTENANCE/FIELD INVESTIGATION
MAJOR STRUCTURES AND RAIL SYSTEMS
MARKET ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING
MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING
NEPA SERVICES
OPERATIONS AND POWER SIMULATION
PLANNING STUDIES, STATION ASSESSMENTS AND ADA COMPLIANCE
POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES
RISK MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION
SAFETY AND SECURITY
SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
SIGNALING/CONTROL CENTERS
STATIONS/YARDS
STRUCTURES
SUB-SURFACE/GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
TRACK
TRACTION POWER/OCS
TRAINING
TUNNEL VENTILATION
VEHICLE TRACK IMPACTS SERVICES
Susquehanna River Bridge
Location: Maryland
Services: Conceptual and preliminary engineering; NEPA; final design; track, signal, OCS, power inspection and structures design; estimating and constructability services
HNTB is providing conceptual and preliminary engineering, NEPA screening and final design of Amtrak’s Susquehanna River Bridge. This heavilytraveled structure is essential to the northeast corridor, servicing not only Amtrak, but also local trains for the Maryland Area Rail Commuter system as well as Norfolk Southern Railroad. This structure is a part of Amtrak’s NEC-UP 160 maximum authorized speed stair step implementation strategy for the next generation of high-speed rail passenger service from New York to Washington D.C.
HNTB produced conceptual-level designs and feasibility schemes during the first part of the project, and is currently preparing final design of the preferred alternative that was determined during the NEPA process. Track, signal, OCS, power, inspection and structures design, estimating and constructability elements are included in the project deliverables.
Watch a brief animation of the process it took to put this new bridge into place.
NYSDOT High-Speed Rail Empire Corridor
Location: New York
Services: Environmental study and documentation, alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering
Supporting the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), HNTB conducted a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to examine ways to increase frequency and improve travel times and on-time performance for operations between Schenectady and Niagara Falls, a distance of 463 miles. The firm also investigated options for the introduction of passenger train speeds of 110 miles per hour.
HNTB led project efforts by developing an alternatives analysis, environmental studies and preliminary engineering of alignments and approaches — all while protecting existing freight operations. Alternatives were evaluated in accordance with the NEPA. A detailed analysis of the existing rail alignment and freight rail requirements was a critical element of the project. The Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement laid the foundation for advancing specific operational and infrastructure improvements for evaluation in Tier 2 NEPA documents and implementation.
HNTB used GIS resources to cover the 463-mile corridor. The environmental studies included natural resources, cultural resources, air quality, noise and socioeconomic analysis.
Middletown Station
Location: Middletown, Pennsylvania
Services: Project management; station design; site and track services; architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical/plumbing services; ADA compliance services; historic preservation
Serving as prime consultant, HNTB collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, also in coordination with Amtrak, to design and deliver the Middletown Station project.
The new station vastly improves ADA accessibility and multimodal connectivity. The design includes:
• A central, 500-foot, high-level pedestrian platform
• A connecting pedestrian overhead bridge
• An on-site parking lot
• Two stair/elevator towers
• A Capital Area Transit bus stop
• Accommodations for future vehicle charging stations
Operational and open to the public, the new Middletown Station meets Amtrak’s station design standards, is fully ADA compliant and remains consistent with the surrounding community’s aesthetic and landscape.
California High-Speed Rail, Construction Package 4
Location: California
Services: Project management, construction management
As prime consultant on California High-Speed Rail Construction Package 4, HNTB has provided design-build oversight, including project management, engineering oversight, construction oversight, quality oversight, utilities relocation and environmental compliance services for a 22-mile corridor in Tulare and Kern County, California.
Partnering with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, HNTB has served as an extension of staff to successfully deliver the first true high-speed rail in North America.
HNTB’s role has included overseeing the work of the contractor, including at-grade alignments, retained fill overcrossings and viaducts, aerial viaduct and the relocation of 4 miles of existing railroad tracks. A focus on risk analysis throughout has enabled the project to avoid impacts related to budget or schedule.
Beverly Draw Rehab and Swing Span Replacement
Location: Massachusetts
Services: Construction documents, bridge structure design
HNTB prepared construction documents for the rehabilitation of the Beverly Draw. The scope of the proposed construction included complete replacement of the swing span structure and mechanical and electrical systems. The rehabilitation also included extensive repairs to the existing concrete piles of the approach spans and concrete repairs to both abutments.
HNTB also assisted with the replacement of this complex, movable swing span bridge, including mechanical, electrical, control and signal systems. The project was delivered during a planned fourweek rail shutdown using accelerated bridge construction methods.
Completion and testing of the final control system and control tower rehabilitation was completed while maintaining active rail lines. Additional work included a new generator system, submersed conduits and revised track profiles on the approach structures.
Chicago Union Station Operations and Station Integration Study
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Services: Rail operations simulation, conceptual design
Amtrak engaged HNTB to conduct a railroad simulation and conceptual design study for the core of the Midwest intercity passenger rail network.
HNTB used industry-standard Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) software to evaluate railroad operation scenarios, various combinations of infrastructure configurations, and train service levels. An iterative process utilizing rail operations simulation, the firm was able to identify capacity constraints through simulation, identify a constructible solution through conceptual design and test the effects of infrastructure changes on operations.
The study was then used to identify a phased program of capital investments to allow Chicago Union Station to serve as the nation’s mid-continent passenger rail hub for decades to come.
Portal Bridge North
Location: New Jersey
Services: Preliminary and final design, construction-phase engineering services
As part of a design tri-venture, HNTB is serving New Jersey Transit and Amtrak to help replace the existing Portal Bridge with a new fixed-span, two-track bridge with the flexibility to add a second, new fixed-span bridge to the south of the existing structure. As the lead structural firm on the project, HNTB is delivering design for the north bridge, associated approach spans, rail systems and retaining walls over the Hackensack River.
Click here to view a time-lapse of the floating arch delivery for the Portal North Bridge
Fitter Interlocking Improvements
Location: Clinton, Connecticut
Services: Engineering design services, signal and communications design
HNTB provided engineering design services for the development of construction documents for the Fitter Interlocking Improvements project. The goal of this project was to improve operational flexibility along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. As part of the project, the mainline tracks were separated into 16-foot track centers for inclusion of two 32.75 crossover tracks. The design included new insulated overlaps on the mainline and crossover tracks to provide the required sectionalizing.
The project consisted of rail system work, including HSR interlocking, OCS and signal and communications design. HNTB’s scope of work included:
• Widening the track centers of high-speed double mainline track, OCS modifications, drainage improvements and utility relocations to the existing heavily-traveled NEC.
• Stakeholder coordination involving Amtrak, Providence and Worcester, Shoreline Express, FRA, utility companies and local municipalities.
• Development of a construction sequencing and staging plan with minimal impacts to existing Amtrak operations and/or freight railroad operations.
• Systems integration of all facets throughout the project.
HNTB developed a detailed integration plan to coordinate efforts between the OCS, power and signal installations and was also responsible for detailed construction staging of the new universal interlocking.
Kingston Station Capacity Improvements
Location: Kingston, Rhode Island
Services: Track, signals, OCS and traction power systems design; civil, structural, architectural, permitting and subconsultant management
The Amtrak improvement project at Kingston Station is improving train operations and the passenger experience along the stretch of the Northeast Corridor, while simultaneously paving the way for long-term transit planning in Rhode Island.
The project consisted of a new “Track 3,” a new crossover and station upgrades. HNTB prepared multiple successful grant applications
and provided design services for track, signals, OCS and traction power systems and managed the civil, structural, architectural and permitting subconsultants required for the design and rehabilitation of the existing station.
As part of the station upgrades, two new, high-level platforms create a safer, more efficient boarding process for all passengers, including full access for those with disabilities. Supporting high-speed rail efforts, the construction of a third track enables higher speed Acela trains to safely bypass regional trains stopping at Kingston. These improvements could also accommodate expanded commuter service in the future. The track improvements will also reduce congestion and minimize delays at a critical choke point in western Rhode Island, improving reliability and efficiency for all users of the busy Northeast Corridor.
Brightline
Location: Florida
Services: Program management, final design, construction management
HNTB helped Brightline deliver America’s first major private intercity passenger railroad system in more than a century, providing rail service connections between Miami and West Palm Beach, beginning in 2018.
Since then, HNTB has continued to work alongside Brightline, first helping to deliver the long-term goal of a fully-connected passenger
rail service between Miami and Orlando. The firm served Brightline as their program and construction manager for the design of rail infrastructure for the 238-mile rail network.
As engineer-of-record for Brightline’s Phase 2 construction between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa, Florida, HNTB has provided 38 route miles of track design at a maximum speed of 125 MPH, roadway and maintenance of traffic design, 32 new bridges, grading, drainage, communications, signal layout and utility relocation.
Additionally, HNTB is partnering with Brightline to provide program management services and final design for a future 83-mile extension from Orlando International Airport to Tampa.
Amtrak National PM/CM
Tasks to date include:
• Ivy City High-Speed Rail Facility Improvements
Contract
Location: Amtrak’s Mid-Atlantic South and Chicago Sub-Regions
Services: Program management, construction management, force account coordination, design review, constructability analysis, claim support and estimate and schedule and review analysis
HNTB’s scope of work includes program development for a wide variety of small, medium and large projects for Amtrak’s Capital Delivery Department.
• B&P Tunnel Block Tie Replacement
• Baltimore Pennsylvania Station Redevelopment
• Ivy City Wheel Truing Machine Installation
• Washington Terminal, North Storage Track Construction
• New Carrollton Station, Vertical Transportation Systems
• Washington Union Station, Program Delivery Analysis
• Chicago Mail Platform, Program Management Oversight
• Ivy City Water Main, Constructability Analysis
• Trail Creek and South River Bridges
• Susquehanna River Bridge, Emergency Repairs
• Hanson Interlocking
• REA Building fit out
• Chicago Yards project
• Ivy City Sub 25/25A, Washington, DC, Constructability Analysis
• Crystal City, VA, Program Management Oversight
Frederick Douglass Tunnel Rehabilitation
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Services: Project management consultant
Operated by Amtrak and the Maryland Area Regional Commuter train service, the Frederick Douglass Tunnel serves the Northeast Corridor and is traversed by an average of 135 trains per weekday. This rehabilitation project seeks to improve operational efficiency through the construction of four higher-speed tunnels through Baltimore, new related system facilities
and fire/life safety improvements. It also includes the preservation of the century-old original tunnel for possible future operations.
As the project management consultant for overall project management, including the development of the Project Management Plan, HNTB developed and maintained the project-level budget and schedule; controlled, documented and monitored changes; provided project document control, quality management, technical submittal and constructability reviews; and provided risk management support. Work also included collaborating with Amtrak in the management of design consultants and the Federal Rail Administration-managed National Environmental Protection Act consultant.
CREATE Program
Location: Chicago, llinois
Services: Project management
The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program was developed as a unique, precedent-setting, public-private partnership (P3) between the FHWA and FRA, IDOT, CDOT, Cook County, City of Chicago, Amtrak, Metra commuter rail, AAR, six Class 1 freight railroads and two regional switching railroads.
HNTB has served as IDOT’s CREATE Program management consultant since 2010, providing intensive management oversight of 70 rail improvement projects in four major rail corridors throughout the region. The firm oversees all aspects of environmental, design and construction and also facilitates all programmatic meetings. HNTB is also part of an extensive, targeted public involvement program.
The CREATE program has reduced Metra and Amtrak delays throughout Chicago and has also generated billions of dollars in economic benefits. Additional benefits of the program include reduced fuel consumption and emissions, reduced congestion and reduced shipping costs that can be passed on to customers.
Knowledge Rail Corridor
Location: Massachusetts
Services: Rail planning, rail operations simulation
As part of the larger, 300-mile Knowledge Corridor, HNTB supported the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to assess the impacts of ongoing infrastructure improvements on operations and passenger trip-time reliability for a 50-mile rail segment extending from Springfield to East Northfield, Massachusetts.
HNTB’s rail operations modeling and planning group conducted a comprehensive review of existing conditions and current operating speeds by gathering information from various stakeholders and collecting GPS field data. Using Rail Traffic Controller (RTC), a railway operations simulations tool, HNTB calibrated a model to match existing conditions and train performance.
Subsequently, speed restrictions were lifted, and improvements were added to the model to compute which projects provided the most runtime savings and therefore improved operations. These results were collected and presented to MassDOT to assist in the re-negotiation of the Service Outcome Agreement for the Valley Flyer service.
MBTA North Station
Draw 1 Bridge Replacement
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Services: Track, signaling, rail operations simulation, rail planning and scheduling
HNTB led the track and signal design for the replacement of the Boston Draw 1 Bridge. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bridge carries all MBTA northside trains and Amtrak’s Downeaster service line across the Charles River to Boston’s North Station. The project involves replacing four tracks across
the Charles River with six new tracks, expanding the North Station Terminal from 10 station tracks to 12, and making major track and signal improvements.
To support the complex design work, HNTB performed operations modeling and planning. The firm developed and calibrated a Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) model of the existing system and schedules.
The modeling was critical to the alternatives analysis to identify the optimal track/bridge configuration. Five project alternatives were coded into the model to quantify speed and reliability improvements and resilience under current and future growth scenarios.
Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River
Location: Norwalk, Connecticut
Services: Design, environmental documentation, permitting, stakeholder communication, environmental/NEPA services, construction phasing
HNTB led the design, environmental documentation and permitting for all elements of the Walk Bridge Replacement Program — delivered under the CM/GC method, and provided construction engineering support.
The Walk Bridge program consists of three primary projects:
1. Replacement of the Metro-North Railroad (MNR) Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River
2. Danbury Branch Dockyard Improvements
3. Full Universal Interlocking at CP243
Bridge
124.09
over the Thames River
Location: Groton, Connecticut
Services: Preliminary and final design, project and quality management, project controls, estimating and scheduling, community outreach, NEPA services, construction phasing
The reconstruction of the Thames River Bridge represented Amtrak’s single largest capital improvement project at the time of its completion. It serves as a major link for Amtrak’s Northeast corridor, connecting Boston and New York with 38 passenger trains being operated across the bridge daily. The moveable span also opens between 1,600 and 2,000
times annually to allow for the passage of U.S. Navy submarines, crafts for the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as commercial and recreational users.
The goal of the project was to replace the existing Strauss heel-trunnion bascule bridge span with a new lift span while also minimizing disruptions to rail and marine traffic. The reconstructed bridge is a 188-foot vertical lift span constructed on existing railroad alignment. HNTB’s innovative structure replacement design allowed for minimal interruptions of rail and marine traffic. Environmental considerations led the project team to reuse portions of the existing structure, including strengthening and rehabilitating the existing piers. As a result of the project’s success, it was recognized by ACEC-Connecticut in 2011 as the chapter’s winner of the Grand Conceptor Award.
BNSF Bridge 81.4
Location: Vader, Washington
Services: Prime designer, construction manager
HNTB served as the prime designer and construction manager for the BNSF Bridge 81.4 across the Cowlitz River, a critical passenger and freight rail infrastructure link in a remote area of Washington state. With no alternate rail routes nearby, the nearly 1,100-foot-long bridge provides a convenient, safe river crossing for up to 50 trains per day.
The rugged, natural landscape posed geotechnical challenges. The team addressed these with a design that features 143’-4” and 207’-6” long deck plate girders supported on large diameter drilled shafts with rock sockets and box beam approach spans supported on socketed H-piles. The 207’6” deck plate girder span is one of the longest spans on BNSF’s system for this span type. The superstructure utilized weathering steel to provide long-term corrosion protection and to withstand the heavy rains and winds that are common to Vader, Washington.
The team was able to streamline construction and reduce project costs by leveraging the CM/GC delivery method and coordinating closely with the contractor.
Penn Station Access GEC for Design
Location: New York, New York
Services: Preliminary design, final track alignment design
Penn Station Access project will transform the region by introducing direct Metro-North Railroad (MNR) service from the Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut to Penn Station, and by adding four new ADA-accessible passenger rail stations in currently underserved neighborhoods of the East Bronx. The project will strengthen network reliability and improve recovery times for trains, in the event of an emergency interruption of service.
As general engineering consultant, HNTB completed the preliminary design and final track alignment design.
The project includes bridge rehabilitations, more than 19 miles of new and rehabilitated track work, new and reconfigured interlockings, and the modernization of signal, power and communication infrastructure.
New Haven-HartfordSpringfield Rail Corridor
Location: Connecticut
Services: Rail systems engineering, preliminary engineering, final design, design services during construction
To improve passenger rail service along the 60-mile I-91/New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Corridor, HNTB is partnering with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to upgrade infrastructure, including track, signal,
communications and at-grade crossings. The return of commuter rail service and the enhancement of intercity rail service provides travelers a more sustainable option and gives Connecticut’s cities and towns an opportunity to reconnect their communities with population centers and revitalize their town centers.
The project scope also includes coordination with CTDOT, federal and state agencies, Amtrak and other consultants related to work included in a program to implement a direct passenger highspeed connection from New Haven, Connecticut, to Springfield, Massachusetts.
California High-Speed Rail, San Francisco to the Central Valley
Location: California
Services: Project management, preliminary engineering, environmental clearance services
Supporting the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s initiative to deliver the U.S.’ first highspeed rail system, HNTB provided engineering and environmental services for the San Francisco to San Jose (51 miles) and San Jose to Merced (84 miles) corridors, which will create new connections between California’s Bay Area and Central Valley.
Upon completion, the California high-speed rail system will be a fast, reliable, economically beneficial, environmentally conscious and sustainable solution that will usher in a new era of mobility for the mega-regions of the state.
HNTB leads a robust, full-service team to deliver:
• Conceptual and preliminary engineering studies of alignment alternatives
• Preliminary design of trackway and associated structures
• Draft and final environmental documents
• Public outreach
• Station area planning
To manage both project sections, HNTB’s project management team also provided project controls and scheduling support, including detailed risk analysis and overall quality assurance.
Amtrak Chicago Yard
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Services: Track, facilities and utilities design
Amtrak officials turned to the design-build team of Kiewit Western-HNTB to rehabilitate the Union Station Terminal in Chicago. HNTB provided the design services for track, facilities and utilities, resulting in a scope of work that included 7 miles of yard and main track renewal, interlocking construction, rehabilitation of five major railroad facilities, trackside utilities,
security, power and bridge work. HNTB not only completed all original design in six weeks, but the firm’s operations experience also allowed it to proactively design in support of ongoing operations. Because of the value the team brought to the project, Amtrak increased the scope and contract budget and extended the schedule from 12 to 18 months.
The new construction aligns the yard with prescribed operations and maintenance rules, yields higher safety margins for workers and will help Amtrak continue to play a key role in providing viable passenger rail service to the Midwest.
Long Bridge over the Potomac River
Location: Washington, D.C.
Services: Conceptual engineering, draft environmental impact statement
The District Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration conducted a NEPA planning analysis to evaluate the potential impacts and benefits of improvements made to the existing twotrack Long Bridge over the Potomac River.
HNTB was responsible for conceptual engineering of rail systems and structures within the 1.8-mile study area, as well
as the bicycle and pedestrian bridge safety analysis. Subsequent engineering work included the development and screening of conceptual engineering alternatives for the Long Bridge project, including the Potomac River Bridge, approach bridges, rail alignments, interlocking design, construction staging, project phasing and cost estimates.
HNTB led the development of the structures study report for the new Potomac River Bridge and the Maryland Avenue SW to LE Interlocking Clearance Assessment. The scope included coordination with WMATA for design of a new structure over Yellow Line portal on West Potomac Island, completion of a hazard analysis and TVRA for bicycle/pedestrian crossing alternatives and completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement’s (DEIS) multimodal transportation analysis.
Front Range Passenger Rail
Location: Denver, Colorado
Services: Project management, Federal Railroad Administration Corridor ID Service Development Plan
With a growing population and a desire to minimize traffic congestion, the Colorado Department of Transportation is conducting a Preliminary Service Development plan to develop feasible alternatives to implement an intercity passenger rail starter service in the Front Range corridor. This new passenger rail seeks to provide a relaxed, efficient and safe transportation option that connects key destinations in Colorado.
HNTB is providing project management services to develop the Front Range Passenger Rail system through the pre-NEPA phase. The team’s range of services includes creating a Service Development Plan, a schedule that reflects anticipating task orders throughout the contract timeline, a work breakdown structure with specific budgets and a stakeholder engagement plan.
Twin Cities – Milwaukee –Chicago Intercity Passenger Rail
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois
Services: NEPA services, grant writing, final design, public involvement, environmental documentation
HNTB worked with Wisconsin and Minnesota Departments of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and Class I railroads to implement a second daily round-trip passenger service — known as the Borealis — as part of the Twin Cities — Milwaukee — Chicago corridor. The project improves mobility and increases reliable travel options while minimizing capital investment.
At 411 miles in length, the line leverages a shareduse corridor at conventional speeds with 13 existing stations. The corridor connects both rural and urban communities along the most highly traveled intercity passenger rail corridor in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
HNTB’s pre-NEPA activities included preparing a purpose and need statement, conducting a route and service alternatives analysis, performing initial operational analysis, and performing stakeholder, public and agency outreach.
The second phase completed the NEPA analysis and Service Development Plan. HNTB led the NEPA analysis using a categorical exclusion document, which environmentally cleared the entire corridor consisting of five individual infrastructure projects. HNTB coordinated with the FRA regarding the environmental clearance documents along with several federal and state agencies.
While coordination with stakeholders has allowed the new service to begin running, HNTB is currently assisting with implementing the service through final design. This phase includes right-of-way acquisition, utilities, track/civil design, geotechnical, structures, construction cost estimating, at-grade crossing and permitting.
Baton Rouge to New Orleans Intercity Passenger Rail
Location: Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Louisiana
Services: Feasibility study
HNTB prepared a feasibility study for identification of infrastructure improvements necessary to introduce intercity passenger rail service from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on tracks owned by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway company.
The firm organized a workshop with CPKC along with Amtrak and Federal Rail Administration representatives to discuss the project and to lay out a process for navigating
delivery of the feasibility study. The HNTB team participated in a high-rail inspection trip and conducted site visits to the proposed rail stations in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, Louis Armstrong International Airport and Kenner.
The draft report included an assessment of existing infrastructure and recommended improvements based on four service plans that also outline how the service could be implemented through phases. Feasibility-level analysis for stations, ridership and revenue, capital, operating and maintenance costs, and financing options was produced as a first step in planning for future passenger rail service. Steps in the implementation section of the study include synchronization with the several grant applications submitted for funding of key elements of the service including two rail stations, railroad crossing elimination, replacement of the Bonnet Carre Bridge, using Corridor ID and Fed-State Partnership grants.
Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Corridor Program
Location: Chicago, Illinois, to Detroit/ Pontiac, Michigan
Services: Alternatives analysis, conceptual engineering, operations simulation, Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement
HNTB prepared an investment plan for the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Rail Corridor Program, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Transportation, in association with the Federal Railroad Administration. The project resulted in a Tier I Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
and service development plan for a high-speed rail corridor that includes a mix of publicly owned right-ofway and shared freight operations. HNTB supported the EIS to evaluate the effects of upgrading rail infrastructure and facilities to safely accommodate the potential passenger rail service improvements. HNTB also developed a cost-effective public outreach strategy for this project that spanned three states and 304 miles.
A key focus of the planning study included the “South of the Lake” segment of the corridor between Porter, Indiana, and Chicago Union Station, where multiple Amtrak routes converge in the complex railroad network of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago terminal. The concepts developed by HNTB have served as the foundation for ongoing implementation planning for improvements in this critical part of the national rail network.
