19
Months of Monitoring
1000+
Tunnel Monitoring Points
2+
Miles of Critical Infrastructure Monitored
55+
Weekly Data Reports
The Challenge
Engineering Through Complexity
Protecting a 130-year-old masonry tunnel while increasing clearance for double-stack freight rail.
Safeguarding streets, utilities, transit systems, businesses, and surrounding structures throughout construction
Maintaining continuous monitoring across a 1.7-mile tunnel despite limited access, evolving construction sequencing, and active rail operations.
Coordinating monitoring across contractors, designers, transportation agencies, utilities, and city stakeholders to support safe construction.
Continuous monitoring and real-time engineering insight allowed engineers to evaluate both absolute positioning and relative tunnel movement, supporting safe rehabilitation throughout construction.
FTG's Approach
Integrated Monitoring for a Complex Urban Tunnel Rehabilitation
FTG delivered an integrated geotechnical and structural monitoring program throughout the 19-month rehabilitation of the Howard Street Tunnel. Baseline surveys, continuous monitoring, automated data collection, and real-time engineering oversight provided the information needed to support safe construction and protect critical urban infrastructure.
GeoLidar Surface Monitoring
First East Coast infrastructure deployment using 37+ GeoLidar monitoring locations.
Tunnel Monitoring Network
1,000+ monitoring points tracking tunnel and structural movement throughout the project.
Geotechnical Instrumentation
24 extensometers, 18 inclinometers, and 5 piezometers monitored ground movement and groundwater conditions.
Automated Data Collection
Automated Monitoring with readings collected every 30 minutes.
Services Provided
Pre-Construction Baseline
Established baseline conditions through pre-construction surveys of the tunnel and surrounding infrastructure.
Continuous Monitoring
Provided automated monitoring and real-time engineering oversight throughout the 19-month rehabilitation.
Threshold Management
Evaluated monitoring data against established thresholds to guide safe excavation and construction sequencing.
Post-Construction Verification
Completed post-construction surveys to verify infrastructure performance following rehabilitation.
DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS
Turning Data Into Construction Decisions
Real-time monitoring identified changing tunnel movement, enabling engineers to adjust construction sequencing and maintain movement within established thresholds.
FTG's integrated monitoring platform consolidated data from more than 1,000 tunnel monitoring points into a single web-based dashboard. Continuous monitoring, automated alerts, and real-time engineering review enabled project teams to evaluate tunnel behavior, respond to changing conditions, and safely advance rehabilitation.
Rather than relying on periodic field observations, engineers continuously evaluated live monitoring data throughout construction. This allowed the project team to verify tunnel performance, manage risk proactively, and confidently advance rehabilitation while protecting surrounding infrastructure.
Real-time data. Better construction decisions.
PROJECT IMPACT
Strengthening Freight Transportation Along the East Coast
The Howard Street Tunnel modernization removed the final clearance restriction along the CSX I-95 freight corridor, enabling double-stack freight trains to travel efficiently between the Port of Baltimore and markets throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The project is expected to increase port capacity by 160,000 additional containers annually, strengthening Baltimore's position as a major East Coast freight gateway.
By improving freight efficiency, reducing truck traffic along the I-95 corridor, and lowering transportation emissions, the project is expected to generate approximately $1 billion in annual economic impact while completing the final East Coast clearance needed for double-stack rail service.
A CRITICAL EAST COAST FREIGHT CORRIDOR
PROJECT RESULTS
Monitoring That Delivered Confidence
Supported the successful October 2025 tunnel handover to CSX
Protected surrounding infrastructure with zero construction-related damage
Enabled data-driven construction decisions through real-time monitoring
Real-time monitoring informed construction adjustments to maintain movement within established thresholds
Delivered continuous monitoring across 19 months of construction
Achieved zero injuries and zero lost workdays for FTG personnel
By combining advanced monitoring technologies with real-time engineering insight, FTG helped deliver one of the nation's most significant freight rail modernization projects with confidence.
