Today, two northbound lanes on Howard Street, from Conway to Pratt, opened to traffic, signaling the progress that the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) and its partners continue to make on the infrastructure repairs at Pratt and Howard Streets.

Last week, two lanes along Pratt Street and northbound lanes of Howard Street north of Pratt Street opened to traffic.

The footprint of DPW’s work in the area is shrinking as we continue to make progress with sewer, storm drain, and water main repairs.  Next week, we anticipate that Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) can work on its Light Rail infrastructure. The underground utility work at the site should be completed soon.

DPW Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., is committed to making sure that the work on the large void at Pratt and Howard Streets is being performed in a comprehensive, smart, and safe manner. “The safety of the public and workers has been paramount, and the Baltimore Police Department has helped to keep the site secure and safe,” Director Chow said.

Protecting the work area by installing stormwater bypasses on the streets was a successful early strategy, even though it required closing the area to vehicles. The strategy minimized additional inundation, allowing crews to clean and repair the 36-inch storm drain in the area of the void.

DPW is leading a multi-agency team that includes local, state, and private interests. In collaboration with MTA and CSX, DPW oversaw the design and construction of the support system to shore up and protect the underground portion of the work site. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) is coordinating the design for the conduit replacement, and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is protecting its Light Rail assets and making sure a handicap access ramp is rebuilt. Daily on-site meetings are being coordinated by the City’s Office of Emergency Management.

DPW’s Office of Engineering and Construction is accelerating the repair process by using in-house talent to design the water main replacement work. Utilization of the design/build method avoids delays as the site is prepped.  This more efficient process is in line with the vision brought to the agency by Director Chow.