Commuter Alert: MARC Penn Line Delays Expected

Work by Amtrak on the Penn Line tracks between Odenton and Bowie State stations will create delays, especially for boarding, says a news release from MARC officials.

The work is set to begin Jan. 16 and wrap up by March 12. The southbound track will be out of service, requiring all trains to share two tracks. Special platforms will be used at Odenton and Bowie State to board southbound passengers on the middle track, says MARC, which will slow the boarding process at the stations.

The track work will result in 10-15 minute delays to most northbound and southbound Penn Line trains, MARC estimates.

There should be minimal delays to Trains 401, 403, and 505 (the first three southbound Penn Line morning trains) since there is no conflicting rail traffic that early. However, Train 517 (6:30am departure from Perryville / 7:15am departure from Penn Station) will be delayed at Odenton since conflicting rail traffic may be present on the other working track.

In the evening, northbound Trains 426 and 642 (3:23pm and 5:50pm departures from Union Station) will hold south of Bowie State to allow Amtrak trains to operate ahead. Other trains may experience delays in this area for the same reason.