July 17, 2025 – On July 7, officials from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) toured CSX’s Howard Street Tunnel modernization project, a key initiative that will unlock double-stack freight rail service along the I-95 corridor from Boston to Maine.

The century-old tunnel in Baltimore is undergoing significant upgrades to accommodate taller freight cars, a move that will increase efficiency and enhance the flow of goods along one of the nation’s busiest rail corridors.

Stephen Flippin, CSX Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs, and Brandon Knapp, CSX Senior Director of Mid-Atlantic Construction, led the tour.

“Increasing efficiencies helps us better serve our customers and communities, and keeps America competitive,” Flippin said in a LinkedIn post. “We appreciate the continued support of our federal, state, and local partners.”

The tunnel reconstruction is part of a larger partnership involving CSX, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the state of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other stakeholders. Once complete, it is expected to enhance operational efficiency, bolster the competitiveness of CSX-served markets, and deliver economic benefits to the region.