Amtrak removes final remnant pier from Susquehanna River

Amtrak has completed an early construction milestone for the Susquehanna River Bridge project, removing the 10th and final remnant pier from the river, the railroad announced today. 

The remnant removal is one of several necessary steps before beginning major construction of two new bridges — featuring four total tracks — that will replace the existing two-track Susquehanna River Bridge, which opened in 1906.

Amtrak contractor Fay Construction earlier this year began demolition and removal of 10 leftover piers that remained from a nearby 1866 railroad bridge that had its superstructure removed decades ago. In November, that critical early work was completed on schedule and with no safety incidents or lost time, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

The federal environmental review process for this project identified removal of the remnant bridge piers as a necessary step toward building the bridge replacement, which will enable top train speeds of 160 mph, while also improving safety and navigation along this portion of the Susquehanna River.

Located in Harve de Grace and Perryville, Maryland, the Susquehanna bridge is used daily by 110 Amtrak, MARC commuter and freight trains.