Amtrak Susquehanna River Bridge

The Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement is part of Amtrak’s implementation strategy for the next generation of high-speed rail passenger service from New York to Washington D.C. Critical to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) — America’s busiest passenger rail corridor — the Susquehanna Bridge currently serves 110 Amtrak and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) passenger rail and freight lines daily.

Expanding Capacity for the Future

HNTB is leading the design and environmental review for Amtrak’s Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement. The firm is working alongside Amtrak to deliver conceptual and final design for two 4,000-foot, two-track twin bridges over the Susquehanna River.

The new modern fixed bridges will replace the aging movable structure, doubling capacity to four tracks. The upgrade improves capacity and lays the groundwork for future integration of high-speed rail service along the NEC.

Key Improvements

• Modernized infrastructure
• Increased train frequency
• Faster trips
• Reduced delays
• Enhanced safety
• Boosted regional economic growth

HNTB’s additional roles include track, signal, power, structural designs, cost estimating and constructability planning. Beyond design, HNTB is managing permitting, ecological surveys and community preservation efforts.

Innovative Approaches to Environmental Preservation

Amtrak and HNTB’s shared commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with infrastructure improvements is at the core of the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge project. Efforts focus on restoring wetlands and freshwater ecosystems, enhancing habitats for turtles and sturgeon and minimizing ecological impacts through stream restoration. Simultaneously, the project preserves Havre de Grace’s historic character, maintaining its cultural and community significance.

Wildlife Preservation Initiatives

To achieve the project’s environmental and preservation goals, HNTB has implemented innovative wildlife preservation initiatives. The initiatives include conducting turtle habitat surveys with underwater drones, enabling the creation of dedicated basking platforms, performing bat surveys to assess ecological impacts and using hydroacoustic monitoring to protect sturgeon populations. Additionally, targeted wildlife protection measures reduce disruptions and support regional biodiversity.

Setting a New Standard

By integrating innovative conservation methods with essential rail upgrades, the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge replacement sets a new standard for infrastructure projects—enhancing transportation, safeguarding natural habitats and honoring the community’s rich heritage.