CHASE, MD—Amtrak announced it will begin a major infrastructure modernization project between Powells Point and Chase starting Friday, May 1, a move intended to increase safety and reliability for both intercity and MARC commuter trains.
The project involves comprehensive track reconstruction and maintenance. Crews will be replacing rails and track ties, refreshing the stone ballast that forms the railroad bed, and making various drainage improvements. Amtrak officials stated the work is necessary to improve operational capacity along the busy Northeast Corridor.
Construction is scheduled to take place overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to minimize disruptions to daytime passenger service. The work is expected to continue through August 30, with crews operating seven days a week, though Amtrak noted the construction will be phased and intermittent throughout that period…