The following release has been submitted by Councilman David Marks about a letter sent to the Coast Guard to request a higher height for the Amtrak bridge in Chase.
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has written to the Coast Guard urging a higher height for the Amtrak bridge being proposed at the Gunpowder River in Chase. The current proposal is for the bridge to be three feet higher, at 15 feet.
“While the additional clearance is appreciated, a 15‑foot height would still significantly limit boat traffic moving between the Chesapeake Bay and the marinas and waterfront communities in Harford and Baltimore Counties,” Marks has written.
“A minimum clearance of 25 feet would better support long‑term economic growth, public safety access, and the region’s recreational boating needs. For these reasons, I am urging that the Coast Guard requires a 25‑foot vertical clearance in the final design.”
Councilman Marks is also urging that Amtrak and the Coast Guard continue to engage residents in both Baltimore and Harford Counties.
Amtrak is proposing to replace the existing Amtrak Bush River Bridge and Gunpowder River Bridge, so the U.S. Coast Guard has published public notices to solicit comments from mariners and interested parties. Comments are due to the U.S. Coast Guard by June 11, 2026. The notices are also available.
If you have any specific questions regarding Amtrak’s Bush/Gunpowder Bridge projects, please e-mail BGRBProject@Amtrak.com.
“This bridge project will greatly affect communities such as West Twin River and the Joppatowne area,” Marks concluded. “I urge residents to make their opinion know.”