Amtrak has appointed the Clark Construction/Stacy and Witbeck joint venture (JV) as a construction contractor for the $6bn Frederick Douglass Tunnel project in Baltimore, Maryland, US.

The JV is the first of three major construction contractors appointed for the project.

The award follows a year-long competitive procurement process that began in June 2022 for the Southern Approach construction package.

Amtrak Capital Delivery executive vice-president Laura Mason said: “Building the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel along with the other programme improvements is a win-win for Baltimore that will create thousands of jobs and improve the experience for thousands of customers who rely on this critical connection every day.”

Together with contributions from Amtrak and Maryland, the overall investment for the project is funded in part by federal government financing, from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The Southern Approach Package (Package B) will be provided under the construction manager at-risk delivery strategy.

Package B comprises the replacement of multiple railroad undergrade bridges and the relocation and realignment of several utilities.

Furthermore, separate contracts have been issued to K.K. Adams and Delaware Cornerstone Builders, two regional small business enterprises, who will carry out additional preconstruction tasks before primary construction begins.

Amtrak is continuing to move forward with design, property purchasing, and preparation works for other construction projects linked with the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program.