Status of Norfolk Southern Infrastructure Projects (from PennDOT updates)
October 16, 2023
The comprehensive agreement between PennDOT and Norfolk Southern (NS) was executed on August 23, 2023.
PennDOT and NS continue to meet monthly to discuss project engineering progress.
Engineering design and environmental clearance for the four Early Action projects are Lemoyne (90% design in progress), Camp Hill (90%), Enola to Duncannon (60%) and Johnstown (30%). Work on these projects began earlier in 2023. They have a scheduled completion date in 2026.
The second round trip of the Pennsylvanian can start as early as late 2026 following completion of the Early Action projects.
The signed agreement means work can begin on the seven other projects between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg which are anticipated for completion by 2031. NS is finalizing consulting agreements for the remaining projects.
The second Pennsylvanian project was not selected for federal funding through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants. Selections were announced 9/25/23.
PennDOT has a second grant application for federal funding through the FRA Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) grant program. Selections are expected in November/December.
PennDOT has begun to coordinate with Amtrak to be ready with train equipment and crew, schedule changes, marketing, and ticket sales.
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January 2, 2024
Engineering design and environmental clearances continue for the four Early Action projects in Lemoyne and Camp Hill (90% design submitted for review), Enola to Duncannon (60% design submitted and reviewed) and Johnstown (revised 30% submitted and reviewed).
The second Pennsylvanian project was selected for federal funding through the FRA FSP grant program. Selections were announced 12/8/23, and PennDOT was awarded the full amount requested, $143.6 million. These funds will be applied toward final design and construction of the seven non-Early Action projects. NS finalized consulting agreements for those projects, so preliminary engineering, environmental and surveying work has begun.
Relevant to the corridor but unrelated to the second Pennsylvanian project, the entire Pittsburgh - Philadelphia Keystone Corridor was selected for the FRA Corridor ID grant program. The $500,000 grant will create a Service Development Plan (SDP) for improving and enhancing service on the line and will facilitate future federal funding opportunities along the corridor.
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April 24, 2024
PennDOT and NS continue to meet monthly for discussions and coordination of project engineering progress. Additional quarterly program-level meetings between PennDOT and NS started in March.
Engineering design and environmental clearances continue for the Early Action projects in Lemoyne and Camp Hill (100% design plans in progress), Enola to Duncannon (90% design plans in progress) and Johnstown (60% design plans submitted and will be reviewed by PennDOT). These projects continue to have a target completion date in 2026. Construction in Lemoyne, Camp Hill and Johnstown could start as early as late 2024.
The kickoff meeting with the FRA regarding the $143.6 million FSP grant was held on 1/23/24.
PennDOT is starting preliminary work to create the SDP for the FRA Corridor ID grant awarded for the Pittsburgh - Philadelphia Keystone Corridor.
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July 2, 2024
PennDOT and NS continue to meet monthly to review project engineering progress. The second program-level meeting between PennDOT and NS, which cover topics beyond engineering, was held in June.
Engineering design and environmental clearances continue for the Early Action projects in Lemoyne and Camp Hill (100% design plans in progress), Enola to Duncannon (100% design plans in progress) and Johnstown (100% design plans submitted and under review). Construction activities may begin after completion of the environmental process, currently anticipated for late 2024.
Monthly meetings are being held with the FRA regarding the FSP grant being applied to the seven non-Early Action projects. Surveying, preliminary engineering and environmental work is in the beginning stages for the projects with completion remaining targeted for 2031.