Part 11/16:
Infrastructure Projects to Address Bottlenecks
Beyond ridership and routes, Amtrak has made significant progress in infrastructure upgrades critical for future growth. The 2021 five-year plan prioritized renewing aging systems, with particular focus on bottlenecks that have throttled performance.
The Frederick Douglas Tunnel, a $6 billion, two-mile project replacing a century-old tunnel, exemplifies this effort. The existing tunnel—part of the critically important Northeast Corridor—is a narrow, steep, water-seeping structure whose limitations cause delays and operational risks. New, modern tunnels will reduce bottlenecks and increase safety, positioning the system for higher frequency and speeds.