PPH 01529 00 N10

National Gateway Initiative Phase 1

Location Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania

Client CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT)

Services Construction Management, Project Management

Project Value $183 million

The National Gateway Initiative (NGI) was an extensive transportation infrastructure undertaking for the Class 1 railroad CSX. The NGI involved work across six states and Washington, DC. The NGI allowed for double-stack intermodal freight train service by clearing obstructions in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, DC. Phase 1 of this initiative was the CSX route between Greenwich, OH and Chambersburg, PA. Hill provided construction management services for Phase 1.

There were a total of 40 obstructions in Phase I of the NGI. Clearing these obstacles required modifications to two through truss bridges, track lowering at seven overhead bridges, replacement, removal, or raising of 20 overhead bridges; modifications to ten mountain tunnels; and the reconstruction of the J&L Tunnel. In addition, three new interlockings were built to provide flexibility for train operations while the construction occurred.

Of particular difficulty was the work required on the NGI’s many tunnels. The mountain tunnels range in length from 307 LF to 4,475 LF, with a total length of 15,595 LF. One of the tunnels was constructed for single track. The other nine were constructed wide enough to accommodate two tracks, although three only had a single track installed. All ten are concrete or masonry lined. Overall, ten mountain tunnels had vertical clearance deficiencies. Three of the tunnels were open-cut and the liners of the remaining tunnels modified to achieve 21-foot clearance.

“The leadership provided is excellent. Responsiveness in resolving construction problems is one of Hill’s greatest strengths, as is addressing budget and schedule issues.”

Director-Program Management, CSX Transportation

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