Union Tunnels (Baltimore, Maryland)

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The twin tunnels are approximately 3/4 mile long, running for about 16 blocks from Greenmount Avenue into East Baltimore. The first tunnel opened on July 24, 1873 and the other in the 1930s. The three tracks bore through one of the hills separating the Jones Falls valley, where Penn Station to East Baltimore. The tunnels are owned by Amtrak and used by Norfolk Southern. Built by the Pennsylvania Railroad.

The condition of the tunnels limits the speed of passenger trains to 45 MPH and only 35 MPH for freight trains. Clearances are restricted to a maximum height of 17 feet 9 inches.

One fifth of Amtrak’s passenger trips, one quarter of its passenger miles, and one third of its ticket revenues depend upon Amtrak being able to operate through these ancient tunnels.