Benchmark On-Line



The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) recently completed its ‘double tracking’ project, which added a second track to eight single-track sections totaling 9.4 miles of its 27-mile Baltimore Central Light Rail Line facilities. This project has significantly upgraded system reliability and efficiency, permitting trains to run more frequently and offering more flexibility in operations and maintenance. JMT and our joint venture partner Parsons Corporation provided the MTA with design and construction administration services to upgrade the two most complicated sections, Sections 7 & 8, between Linthicum and Cromwell stations in Anne Arundel County. This $16.7 million project involved 1.9 miles of the Main Line as well as 0.3 miles of a spur line which terminated at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, reconstruction of a spur line to the MTA’s Cromwell Maintenance Facility, eight grade crossings, and upgrades to two passenger stations. This portion of the Doubletrack project was completed more than three months ahead of schedule, due in large part to our strong commitment to the client and the project. Project Highlights Multi-disciplined engineering expertise, involving civil, structural, electrical, systems and operational design, was required for a contract plan package containing more than 500 plan sheets. JMT/Parsons provided designs that minimized the impact of the construction in the adjacent communities while integrating the project into them. Much of Sections 7 & 8 involved high visibility residential areas such as the Ferndale community (shown in the "before" and "after" photos) that the team treated with extreme care.




It was crucial for the design to minimize the ‘footprint’ of the project so that the project was perceived as an asset to the adjacent community rather than a nuisance or eyesore. One example was our design of a new Hollins Ferry Road bridge as a wooden trestle bridge, in accordance with the desire of the community.

Some of the project's numerous accomplishments included: Design of modifications to Linthicum and Cromwell stations to accommodate a second track, including new platforms, lighting, shelters, ADA accessible facilities, and architectural treatments. The major junction between the Main Line and BWI Spur was extremely complex due to the addition of a double crossover, steep grades, and adjacent right-of-way and environmental constraints. Seventy-five new catenary foundations and 11,500 lf of new catenary were installed for traction power and for three new double-crossover interlockings. Utility relocations were designed and coordinated with several private and public utilities. Relocations included water, sewer, overhead telecommunication, electric and cable TV lines, an underground high pressure aviation fuel pipeline and a natural gas line. Phased maintenance of traffic plans were prepared for vehicles and pedestrians at 8 grade crossings to minimize community impacts. Extensive coordination was required with the local communities, local businesses, schools and emergency services as well as the Maryland State Highway Administration and Anne Arundel County. Minimal new impervious areas, other than the passenger platforms at two rail stations, were created, while tree and forest removal were very minor, keeping the environmental impacts of the project to a minimum. Multiple Awards To date, JMT/Parsons has been honored with three awards for this project. We have received the “Outstanding Engineering Achievement of the Year” award from the Engineering Society of Baltimore's Engineers Week Council, and a Merit Award for innovative excellence in engineering design by the American Council of Engineering Companies/Maryland. Most recently, Mid-Atlantic Construction magazine named the full project its "Best of 2006" in the Transportation Category.