Md.'s Light RailLink re-opens 3 days ahead of schedule

After permanently stabilizing sections of Light RailLink track that eroded during severe storms on July 21, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) resumed service from the Patapsco to Cromwell and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport stations on Friday — three days ahead of the planned reopening on August 20.

“We thank the men and women of MDOT MTA for their hard work and dedication in completing these much-needed repairs caused by the severe storms and ensuring our Light RailLink system is safe for our riders,” said MDOT MTA COO Sean Adgerson.

To mitigate flooding and future erosion in the area of the Twin Oaks Light RailLink grade crossing, MDOT MTA constructed a 36-inch drain pipe under the tracks. The repair work involved cutting and removing sections of track, gravel, and soil; building a pipe; and excavating an area 40 feet wide and 16 feet deep. A 1,200-foot-long concrete drain also was constructed to minimize potential flooding.

To further stabilize the area, reinforcements were constructed along the hillside next to the tracks. Free shuttle buses were provided to accommodate passengers at all impacted stations while the repairs were being made.