Amtrak Launches Sawtooth Bridges Replacement to Boost Rail Capacity and Speed

Amtrak Contracts Firms for Sawtooth Bridges Replacement in Northeast Corridor. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak has chosen Skanska, Walsh, and Herzog Joint Venture to lead pre-construction efforts. The agreement covers early-stage activities and opens doors for further construction contracts. This project aims to modernize rail infrastructure by replacing outdated structures with four-track bridges. The enhancements will boost capacity, reliability, and speed along the busiest Northeast Corridor segment.

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Amtrak’s Executive Vice President Laura Mason emphasized the importance of this milestone for rail upgrades. She stated that investments will modernize infrastructure, improve services, and support long-term passenger needs. Officials from NJ Transit, PATH, and Conrail joined Amtrak in backing the initiative. They highlighted shared goals of expanding and improving rail services across New Jersey and New York.

Additional Contract Support

Amtrak has also contracted AECOM and STV for project and construction management. Their role includes assisting with final design plans and overseeing construction stages. This team will collaborate with Skanska, Walsh, and Herzog, as well as Amtrak’s internal engineering department.

Constructed in 1907, the Sawtooth Bridges remain vital for Amtrak and regional rail services. However, age-related issues reduce speeds to 60 mph and create bottlenecks, impacting operations. Modernizing these structures will restore efficiency, cut delays, and improve overall performance.

Key Project Goals

This upgrade will address critical infrastructure needs and expand track capacity by adding two tracks. Plans also include restoring 90 mph speeds, reducing travel times, and improving service reliability. Modernized infrastructure will better support growing demand on the nation’s busiest rail network.

The 1.9-mile corridor in Kearny, New Jersey, will feature three new bridges. Bridge #1 realigns NJ Transit tracks to create space for additional Northeast Corridor tracks. Bridge #2 introduces two new tracks alongside the existing Sawtooth Bridges. Bridge #3 fully replaces the current structures, improving safety and operational efficiency.

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Aging bridges, built over a century ago, have exceeded their design life and now limit service reliability. Addressing these challenges will support economic growth and regional connectivity through upgraded infrastructure. Surveys conducted in 2013 confirmed replacement as a necessary step to ensure safety and functionality.

Modern Construction Approaches

Federal environmental approvals secured in 2020 cleared the path for construction. The project uses Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) methods, enabling faster timelines by combining design and construction phases. This approach ensures better coordination between contractors and Amtrak’s engineering teams.

Construction poses challenges due to the corridor’s dense layout and limited access points. However, careful planning ensures minimal disruption to NJ Transit, PATH, Conrail, and utilities operating nearby. The design preserves ongoing services while implementing phased construction to maintain rail operations.

Major construction activities are scheduled to begin in 2026, following extensive planning and enabling works. These early preparations will help streamline the later phases, reducing risks and delays.

Funding and Federal Support

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recognizes the project as a priority in its NEC inventory. Multiple grants from FRA’s Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program will fund design and construction. Amtrak also contributes non-local matching funds to support financing for early-stage developments.

Future funding commitments depend on Amtrak meeting project milestones and grant application requirements. FRA’s Letter of Intent provides a pathway for ongoing financial support through project completion. These grants demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to modernizing rail infrastructure nationwide.

By doubling track capacity and improving speed limits, the Sawtooth Bridges project will address long-standing challenges. Investments in modern infrastructure will enhance rail service efficiency and support economic growth in the region. This initiative highlights Amtrak’s efforts to rebuild America’s rail network for the next generation.

Source, photo: www.masstransitmag.com

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