Construction of New Middletown Amtrak Passenger Rail Station

Project owner PennDOT specifically requested Gannett Fleming after concluding similar work on the successfully completed new Mount Joy Train Station in Mount Joy, Pa.

Extensive planning and coordination ensured the station’s location was carefully considered when working with local stakeholders. Gannett Fleming’s project management priorities included providing multimodal connectivity for the Borough of Middletown’s downtown streetscape improvements, Capital Area Transit, the Penn State University Harrisburg campus, and Harrisburg International Airport. In addition to Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor Service, two rail companies operate through the Middletown Station. Due to this dynamic, the Gannett Fleming team also worked closely with Norfolk Southern and M&H Railroad to coordinate job site functions and maintain worker safety and the project schedule.

Due in part to Gannett Fleming’s experience working with PennDOT, our team facilitated clear communication and coordination of work efforts between multiple stakeholders, including Amtrak and the general contractors, to uphold compliance with stringent Amtrak safety guidelines. Gannett Fleming was involved prior to the notice to proceed in preparing the project manual for bidding and performing a constructability review at the 90% design level.

PennDOT instituted an initial COVID-19-related shutdown of job site work. However, Gannett Fleming was able to coordinate with the two prime contractors to continue ordering materials and synchronize project schedules in anticipation of resuming on-site construction. In all, only 15 days were lost due to COVID-19 and supply chain-related delays. Because of Gannett Fleming’s experience in CM/CI, the construction project proceeded uninterrupted until its completion in December 2021.

This project was successful due in part to the continuous communication and coordination Gannett Fleming maintained with PennDOT and other stakeholders throughout the project. As a repeated CM/CI partner for PennDOT rail and transit projects, Gannett Fleming remains a trusted advisor for resolving challenges, maintaining tight schedules, and deftly handling all safety-related issues.

• The $24.5 million station is part of the overall $49.5 million construction project that includes parking and track improvements.
• The station features:
  • A central high-level, accessible platform.
  • A pedestrian overpass to the platform.
  • Elevator and stair towers.
  • Accessible ramps.
  • 400 space, on-site parking.
  • Designated bus loading zones.

• 2022 CMAA Central PA Chapter Construction Management Project Achievement Award

• ADA-compliant rail passenger station.
• Improved multimodal connectivity.
• Anchor for station-area redevelopment.