AECOM-Led Joint Venture to Modernize Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

AECOM, in partnership with STV, has been selected by Amtrak to manage the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project—a pivotal part of the Gateway Program designed to improve passenger rail capacity and tackle long-standing infrastructure issues.

This project targets the most congested stretch of the Northeast Corridor (NEC), a 10-mile section that’s critical for both commuters and intercity travelers.

Why the Sawtooth Bridges Matter

Built in 1907, the Sawtooth Bridges have been the backbone of the NEC for over a century. They currently handle more than 400 trains daily, serving Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, PATH, and Conrail freight operations. But their age is starting to show—structural weaknesses and outdated design limit train speeds to 60 mph, creating operational bottlenecks for commuters and operators alike.

The project will replace these aging bridges with three modern structures along a 1.9-mile corridor in Kearny, New Jersey, located between Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction. The upgrades promise faster trains, smoother operations, and an overall better experience for the thousands of passengers who rely on this route daily.

A Collaborative Approach to a Complex Challenge

For the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project, Amtrak is implementing an early contractor involvement framework, having already procured significant pre-construction contracts, including this construction management package for AECOM-STV JV and pre-construction works for Skanska, Walsh & Herzog Joint Venture.

According to Amtrak, the project will be delivered using the Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) method, a strategy aimed at accelerating the timeline by overlapping design, pre-construction, and other enabling works.

AECOM’s Role in the Project

AECOM and STV will use a multi-phased delivery approach to guide the project from planning to completion. Their responsibilities include overseeing design, coordinating with railroads and utilities, and managing interactions with third parties. With a team of civil, geotechnical, structural, and environmental engineers, the joint venture brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Amtrak by supporting this crucial transit upgrade, which is part of an array of generational federal investments in the nation’s rail infrastructure,” said Mark Southwell, AECOM’s global Transportation chief executive. “Our track record of success on numerous NEC bridge replacement projects prepares us to deliver safe, reliable and resilient rail connectivity that meets both current and future demands on the NEC.”

Experience That Counts

Bane Gaiser, AECOM’s chief executive for the U.S. East and Latin America region, highlighted the company’s proven track record. “We look forward to leveraging our extensive transportation resources, site knowledge, and experience with large-scale projects along the NEC to deliver innovative solutions that enhance rail reliability,” said Gaiser. “As Engineering News-Record’s top Mass Transit and Rail firm, we are excited to support Amtrak in upgrading its tracks and bridges, improving connectivity along one of the world’s busiest transportation corridors.”

Federal Support for a Rail Renaissance

This project is part of a broader effort funded by the Federal Railroad Administration to revitalize the NEC. Federal funding has already enabled Amtrak to advance several critical initiatives, including: