CSX selects Michael Baker to lead ‘Transforming Rail in Virginia’ initiative | So Good News

Map of the “Transforming Rail in Virginia” initiative.

Engineering, planning and consulting services firm Michael Baker International announced Nov. 17 that it has been selected by CSX, which operates more than 2,000 miles of track throughout the state of Virginia, to lead program and construction management for significant rail improvement projects as part of the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative.

The TRV initiative was unveiled in December 2019 by former Governor Ralph Northam and “represents an innovative public/private partnership that also includes the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) operator for commuter trains as key stakeholders.” In June 2022, Railway age reported that VRE is committing $195 million to the initiative that includes the design and construction of several projects between Washington, DC and Richmond, Va., totaling $3.7 billion. This work is being completed in partnership with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), the lead state agency created in 2020 for TRV.

According to the firm, Michael Baker will provide program management and construction management services for TRV project delivery over the next 10 years. The firm will act as owner representative, “collaborating with various design consultants to provide pre-construction and construction phase services, including design reviews, project controls and construction management/inspection for multiple bridges, walls, tracks and associated infrastructure.”

“Michael Baker has a history of overseeing rail and transit projects for more than 40 rail companies across the country, providing innovative solutions that enable our clients to achieve their goals and ultimately improve the transportation of freight,” said Kirsten Bowen, National Director. Freight line at Michael Baker International. “I am thrilled that the Michael Baker team, supported by Patrick Engineering, is serving CSX on this exciting infrastructure project that will transform Virginia rail, as well as the rail and transit practice at Michael Baker.”

As TRV capital investments are completed, VPRA will gain control of 350 miles of right-of-way rail and 225 miles of existing track from CSX, enabling expanded passenger rail service. Once Virginia completes construction of a separate passenger rail corridor along this section of track, Virginia and CSX will “benefit from dedicated freight tracks without passenger rail traffic,” the firm said. This, Michael Baker adds, will lead to improved passenger train service, such as more frequent Amtrak state-subsidized trains and a near doubling of VRE Fredericksburg Line commuter service to include new late night and weekend services.