Susquehanna River Rail Advisory Board Launches Web Portal

The city of Havre de Grace has set up a web page for those interested in the Susquehanna railroad bridge replacement project.

Specifically, the page contains recommendations from a group the Havre de Grace City Council commissioned to stay abreast of the project as transportation officials determine how to expand the bridge from two tracks to four.

“They have embraced a lot of our recommendations,” Volney Ford, chair of the Susquehanna River Rail Advisory Board, told The Aegis.

Eight citizens from Harford and Cecil counties with relevant knowledge comprise the board, such as Chuck Lilley, retired maintenance supervisor of the Hatem and Tydings bridges, the newspaper reported.

Since October, the board has met and drafted more than 15 recommendations on issues ranging from noise to bike safety. One recommendation is to create a public space to honor the bridge’s history.

The Susquehanna River Bridge was built in 1906.

Amtrak, which owns the structure, says its proposal to add two more tracks will allow for increased speed and capacity on Amtrak, MARC and Norfolk Southern freight trains; provide increased passenger safety; and improve boater navigation.

The Maryland Department of Transportation and Amtrak have set up their own project website to outline the federal process they must follow before making any decisions. They will hold public outreach sessions in spring and fall to discuss findings from their research.

• Amtrak Seeks Input on Susquehanna Railroad Bridge Project
• State Gets Funding for New Train Bridge over Susquehanna River

Screenshot of March 26 open house from Havre de Grace/YouTube video.

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