Amtrak Installing New Heavy Steel Fence Along High-Speed Tracks In Middle River, Maryland
WILMINGTON, Del. –Amtrak is installing a heavy steel, 8-foot high, high security fence along a portion of its high-speed tracks in Middle River, Maryland to deter access to the railroad.
Beginning in late-April, work will commence on the installation of new fencing on both sides of the tracks from Martin Boulevard southwest to where it meets up with an existing fence. A portion of the existing fence also will be replaced. In all, more than 6,400-feet of fencing will be installed and additional “No Trespassing” signs will be posted.
The $3.1 million project will take approximately six months to complete. When completed, there will be nearly two miles of continuous fencing from Martin Boulevard to Stemmers Run Road. Individuals may use the pedestrian underpass at Martin Boulevard, which will also be improved as part of the project, to safely cross to the other side of the tracks. “The new fence will make it harder for a person to access the tracks, but to achieve maximum safety individuals must make the right decision to stay off the tracks and not use it as a shortcut,” says Amtrak Chief of Police John O’Connor.
“Our most important goal is safety,” said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. “I am pleased Amtrak is taking these significant steps, building taller and stronger fencing. I thank everyone who had a role in this project, working together to make Middle River a safer community for everyone.”
The Middle River community is located about 11 miles north of Baltimore and is within the busy Northeast Corridor home to frequent and daily Amtrak train service. The section of track where the fence is being installed includes Acela Express and Northeast Regional service which operate at speeds up to 125 mph as well as some freight train traffic.
Amtrak also participates in Operation Lifesaver, a national, non-profit organization that promotes education, enforcement and engineering solutions to prevent trespasser incidents. Amtrak’s work in Middle River includes the installation of the new fence, community outreach by the Amtrak Police Department to the local high school and local law enforcement, and active police patrols of the area by Amtrak and Baltimore County Police.
About Amtrak® Amtrak is America’s Railroadsm, the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010. Enjoy the journey(sm) at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.
Beginning in late-April, work will commence on the installation of new fencing on both sides of the tracks from Martin Boulevard southwest to where it meets up with an existing fence. A portion of the existing fence also will be replaced. In all, more than 6,400-feet of fencing will be installed and additional “No Trespassing” signs will be posted.
The $3.1 million project will take approximately six months to complete. When completed, there will be nearly two miles of continuous fencing from Martin Boulevard to Stemmers Run Road. Individuals may use the pedestrian underpass at Martin Boulevard, which will also be improved as part of the project, to safely cross to the other side of the tracks. “The new fence will make it harder for a person to access the tracks, but to achieve maximum safety individuals must make the right decision to stay off the tracks and not use it as a shortcut,” says Amtrak Chief of Police John O’Connor.
“Our most important goal is safety,” said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. “I am pleased Amtrak is taking these significant steps, building taller and stronger fencing. I thank everyone who had a role in this project, working together to make Middle River a safer community for everyone.”
The Middle River community is located about 11 miles north of Baltimore and is within the busy Northeast Corridor home to frequent and daily Amtrak train service. The section of track where the fence is being installed includes Acela Express and Northeast Regional service which operate at speeds up to 125 mph as well as some freight train traffic.
Amtrak also participates in Operation Lifesaver, a national, non-profit organization that promotes education, enforcement and engineering solutions to prevent trespasser incidents. Amtrak’s work in Middle River includes the installation of the new fence, community outreach by the Amtrak Police Department to the local high school and local law enforcement, and active police patrols of the area by Amtrak and Baltimore County Police.
About Amtrak® Amtrak is America’s Railroadsm, the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010. Enjoy the journey(sm) at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.