The Baltimore City Department of Transportation Director William Johnson was joined today by representatives from CSX, Housing, the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Public Works to announce that construction along 26th Street is now complete.

“After more than a year of construction, citizens can now enjoy this fully restored section of 26th Street,” said Director Johnson. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to the community for their patience, diligence and support as we worked to complete the project as quickly as possible and improve this neighborhood for the citizens of Baltimore.”

In April of 2014, a large retaining wall along the south side of 26th Street between Charles and St. Paul Streets collapsed onto CSX railroad tracks. As a result of the collapse, vehicles, streetlights, trees and debris fell onto the tracks which sit approximately 30 feet below the roadway. Rail traffic was suddenly stopped and area residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes.

The Department of Transportation immediately mobilized with numerous project partners in order to restore this Charles Village neighborhood. It took months of extensive excavation, slope stabilization and concrete work to build the new retaining wall and restore the roadway.

Construction took over a year to complete as a result of the harsh winter weather. The project cost nearly $13 million and the expenses will jointly be shared by the City of Baltimore and CSX.