AECOM Joint Venture to Deliver Rail Improvements on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

AECOM, a global infrastructure leader, is partnering with STV to tackle a significant project that will make a big difference for rail travelers. Amtrak has selected this joint venture to provide project management services for the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project in New Jersey, which is part of the Gateway Program. This program is focused on upgrading the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to improve the state of good repair and increase passenger train capacity in a congested 10-mile section.

The Sawtooth Bridges, dating back to 1907, play a vital role in the NEC, supporting over 400 daily trains run by Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT. Due to their age and structural issues, the bridges currently restrict train speeds, causing bottlenecks that impact rail operations for both intercity and commuter services. The project aims to construct three new bridges along a corridor in Kearny, N.J., significantly improving rail connectivity between Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction.

Mark Southwell, AECOM’s Chief Executive for Transportation, expressed pride in being chosen for this crucial transit upgrade. Leveraging their successful track record with previous NEC bridge replacement projects, AECOM is prepared to deliver safe, reliable, and resilient rail infrastructure that meets both current and future demands on the NEC.

The approach to implementing this project involves multiple phases of alternative delivery to manage design coordination, oversee the delivery of new structures, and coordinate with various stakeholders like railroads and utilities. The joint venture will also maintain interactions with third parties throughout the process. Bane Gaiser, Chief Executive of AECOM’s U.S. East and Latin America region, highlighted the firm’s expertise and commitment to delivering innovative solutions to enhance rail reliability along the busy transportation corridor.

With funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak is making significant progress on multiple NEC projects that focus on upgrading critical infrastructure, modernizing stations, and preparing for future ridership growth. AECOM’s involvement spans various projects within this initiative, showcasing their expertise in tackling large-scale infrastructure projects and supporting Amtrak in enhancing rail connectivity within the region.