The project will modernize the existing, antiquated manual turnout by replacing IT with a powered switch that can be integrated into amtraks ctec system enabling the remote operation of the switch

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded a $9,643,535 Project Grant under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program to the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Finance Division, doing business as Transit Operating Division. The grant will fund a project to modernize an existing manual rail turnout at Martins Yard by replacing it with a powered switch that can be integrated into Amtrak's Centralized Traffic Control system. This will enable remote operation of the switch, reducing or eliminating the need for wayside activity by crew members, and improving safety, reliability, and air quality. The project is expected to generate $12.5 million in discounted benefits over 30 years through time savings for passengers on the Penn Line and throughout the Northeast Corridor, as well as fuel and emissions savings. The project will also help address crowding on existing MARC Penn Line trains and support the region's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant award demonstrates MTA's efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of Maryland's rail infrastructure through federally-funded initiatives.

This enhancement will reduce or fully eliminate wayside activity by crew members, improve safety, reliability, and air quality, while supporting the current and anticipated increased movements at martins yard. The poor condition of the existing manual switch leads to infrastructure failures and delays that will be reduced as a result of the project. Time savings for passengers on the penn line and throughout the NEC over the 30-year operations period total 557,000 passenger hours. Through the installation of a new witch, this project will generate 12.5 million in discounted (7 percent) benefits over 30 years. IT will save nearly 1 million (discounted at 7 percent over 30 years) in locomotive fuel and reduced air emissions due to the reduction of idling while moving locomotives into and out of martin s yard. This also includes addressing the crowding on existing marc penn line trains and support the region s economic recovery in the wake of the covid-19.