AECOM (NYSE: ACM), a leading global infrastructure rail firm, has announced that it will be leading a joint venture with STV to provide project management services for the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project, a vital part of the Gateway Program. This program is designed to address critical infrastructure needs and double the capacity for passenger trains on the most congested 10-mile section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The Sawtooth Bridges, originally built in 1907, are a key part of the NEC, supporting over 400 daily trains operated by Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT. These bridges also serve tracks used by NJ TRANSIT, PATH, and Conrail freight trains. However, their age and structural deficiencies currently limit train speeds to 60 mph, creating significant bottlenecks that disrupt rail operations for both intercity and commuter services. The Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project aims to deliver three new bridges along a 1.9-mile stretch in Kearny, New Jersey, between Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction.
AECOM-Led Joint Venture to Propel Major Rail Upgrades on $3 Billion Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor
Mark Southwell, Chief Executive of AECOM’s global Transportation business, expressed the company’s pride in continuing its partnership with Amtrak. “We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Amtrak by supporting this crucial transit upgrade, which is part of an array of generational federal investments in the nation’s infrastructure,” Southwell said. “Our extensive experience with NEC bridge replacement projects has equipped us to deliver safe, reliable, and resilient rail connectivity that will meet both current and future demands on the NEC.”
The AECOM-led joint venture will utilize a multi-phased alternative delivery approach to manage the project, overseeing the planning and delivery of the new and upgraded bridges. The team will coordinate the design efforts and manage the interactions with various stakeholders, including roads, utilities, and third parties. The joint venture brings together a multidisciplinary team of engineers, including experts in civil, geotechnical, structural, and environmental engineering, all of whom will work together to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Bane Gaiser, Chief Executive of AECOM’s U.S. East and Latin America region, highlighted the team’s readiness for the project. “We look forward to leveraging our extensive transportation resources, site knowledge, and experience with large-scale projects along the NEC to deliver innovative solutions that enhance reliability,” Gaiser said. “As Engineering News-Record’s top Mass Transit and Rail firm, we are excited to support Amtrak in upgrading its tracks and bridges, ultimately improving connectivity along one of the world’s busiest transportation corridors.”
The Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project is part of a broader effort to modernize the infrastructure of the Northeast Corridor, which is one of the busiest and most vital rail networks in the United States. This effort is supported by significant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which has enabled Amtrak to move forward with several large-scale projects aimed at upgrading critical rail infrastructure. These projects are expected to improve station facilities, enhance operational efficiency, and accommodate future ridership growth along the NEC.
In addition to the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement, AECOM is involved in several other major projects funded by the FRA. These include the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement, and the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project. Each of these initiatives is focused on modernizing and upgrading vital rail infrastructure to support future growth and ensure the continued reliability and safety of the nation’s rail network.
The Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project is expected to provide significant benefits to the NEC by improving rail capacity, reducing delays, and enhancing the overall efficiency of rail operations. Once completed, the new bridges will allow for higher train speeds, reducing bottlenecks and improving connectivity along this crucial transportation corridor. This will not only benefit Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT passengers but also improve the flow of freight traffic, helping to keep the economy moving.
With its deep expertise and experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, AECOM is well-positioned to deliver the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project and help shape the future of rail travel in the Northeast Corridor. The company’s continued work with Amtrak on this project underscores its leadership role in transforming the U.S. rail network and supporting the modernization of America’s critical infrastructure.