MARC Penn Line Adapts Service During Trackwork

MARC installs temporary platform extenders at Halethorpe due to Amtrak trackwork

MARC Penn Line Adds Platform Extenders at Halethorpe

MARC Penn Line riders using Halethorpe station will board northbound trains differently for several months due to Amtrak trackwork. The Maryland Transit Administration installed temporary platform extenders at the station after Amtrak construction between Halethorpe and West Baltimore forced the track closest to the northbound platform out of service. Not all train doors will open during the work period.

Construction Forces Track Closure

Amtrak's construction work requires one track at Halethorpe to remain closed for the project's duration, transit officials said. The affected track typically serves northbound trains heading toward Baltimore and beyond. Platform extenders provide a temporary boarding solution when trains must use tracks farther from the standard platform edge. Officials didn't specify what type of construction Amtrak is performing or provide a completion date beyond "several months."

Modified Boarding Procedures in Effect

Northbound passengers at Halethorpe must wait on the regular platform and only step onto the temporary extenders after their train arrives and crew members provide direction, according to the transit agency. Only select doors will open at the station during construction. Passengers exiting at Halethorpe should only leave through doors where they see a uniformed MARC Train Conductor, as these are the only doors that'll open. Transit officials advised riders to listen carefully for announcements about proper positioning within trains for exiting.

Work Continues for Several Months

The construction work is scheduled to last several months, though officials haven't provided a specific completion date. The service alert affects the MARC Penn Line between Washington and Baltimore. Transit agencies typically coordinate with Amtrak on infrastructure projects that affect commuter rail operations, as MARC trains operate on Amtrak-owned tracks along the Penn Line corridor.

Rider Information and Updates

Passengers should expect the modified boarding procedures to remain in place throughout the construction period. Train crew members will continue providing guidance at Halethorpe to ensure safe boarding and exiting. Riders can check Moovit for real-time MARC Penn Line updates and service alerts affecting their commute during the Amtrak construction project.