Amtrak, BGE outline utility relocations tied to Susquehanna River rail bridge during Havre de Grace public hearing

Havre de Grace — Amtrak and BGE officials spoke at a public hearing Aug. 18 about utility relocations tied to the Susquehanna River bridge replacement project and an ordinance (12 o 1) that would grant rights-of-way to BGE.

Jen Riegel, representing Amtrak, said the relocations are ‘‘part of our early works’’ to clear the path for heavy equipment needed to replace the 119-year-old rail bridge spanning the Susquehanna River. Kevin Pode, an Amtrak designer, explained the work would move existing overhead BGE facilities underground along Water Street, Atseego Street and Pearl Street to ‘‘clear the path for safe vehicle operation during construction.’’

Gary Bowers, representing BGE Real Estate, said the easement before the council would allow BGE to install underground facilities and access properties between addresses identified in the easement. He described the work as necessary for the ‘‘mobilization for the main bridge work’’ and noted the specific stretch on Water Street included pulling conduits out of the road and running them onto adjacent properties to reach new poles or underground vaults.

Council members and business owners asked about traffic disruption and streetscape effects. The BGE representative said the work would likely require localized lane closures but did not expect prolonged full road closures; he described portions being ‘‘drilled’’ for conduit installation and said the firm could follow up with a schedule and traffic-management plan. A merchant said removing overhead lines could improve the streetscape, but Bowers said he could not confirm aesthetic outcomes and that he had only been briefed earlier that day.

The council closed the public hearing after receiving no further speakers. No vote on the ordinance was recorded during this meeting; the hearing record was closed for the council’s consideration at a later legislative step.