Tie Replacement Project

Project Overview

This important maintenance Project replaced approximately 124,000 crossties between Brunswick, ME and the Massachusetts state line. 

What are crossties?  Crossties, also referred to ‘railroad ties’ or simply ‘ties’, are the rectangular slats that lay perpendicularly under the rail along the railroad. Crossties hold the rails upright, distribute the weight of trains over the tracks and ballast (crushed rock), and help maintain track alignment.

Additional components of the Project included 124-miles of track surfacing, the distribution of approximately 500 tons of ballast per track mile, and the replacement of 1,290 switch timbers at 43 switches along the CSX Freight Main Line.

This investment improved the overall condition of the Downeaster Corridor, enhancing the long-term reliability of both the Amtrak Downeaster and CSX freight services.

Date Milestones
April 2025 Tie Replacement Begins
May 2025 CSX Replaces Over 50,000 Railroad Ties
July 29, 2025 Tie Replacement completed
Fall 2025 – Summer 2026 Complete cross tie installation, switch timber installation, insulated joint installation, and scrap tie pick-up.

Project Budget

The total project budget was $34,365,000.
Eighty percent of the total was paid for through the Fed/State Partnership Grant awarded to NNEPRA by the Federal Railroad Administration and matched by a 20 percent contribution from CSX .

Project Photos-

July 2025-A thank you to the hardworking tie replacement crews!
July 2025- CSX at work in Portland, ME.
June 2025- CSX at work in Ocean Park, ME.
June 2025- CSX at work in Saco, ME.
June 2025- CSX at work in Saco, ME.
May 2025- CSX at work in Wells, ME.
April 2025- CSX at work in Durham, NH.
April 2024- CSX at work in Durham, NH.
April 2025- 32 pieces of tie replacement equipment arrives in Lawrence, MA.
March 2025- Track inspection vehicle scans railroad ties.
March 2025- A fresh stockpile of railroad ties, set to enhance the Downeaster route
March 2025- A fresh stockpile of railroad ties, set to enhance the Downeaster route

Project Schedule

 Completion Date: Mid-August 2026