Harbor Link, a leader in telecommunications infrastructure, is making significant progress in its mission to enhance connectivity across the Baltimore and Washington DC metro areas. The company is expanding its fiber optic network along the I-95 corridor, connecting key data hubs in Baltimore, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. This strategic expansion is set to address critical infrastructure gaps, providing the region with a more reliable and high-capacity network to support the growing demands of AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale data operations.
The Vision: A High-Capacity, Future-Proof Network
Harbor Link’s project aims to build a robust, scalable fiber optic network capable of supporting modern-day technology needs. As the I-95 corridor houses a significant portion of the world’s hyperscale data centers, the existing network infrastructure is increasingly strained by the bandwidth demands of emerging technologies. Harbor Link’s new underground conduit system is designed to be more resilient, offering the region a network that will scale with the demands of the next decade.
The network spans 40 miles along the I-95 corridor, with a scalable design that ensures long-term capacity, low latency, and adaptability. Felix Dialoiso, CEO of Harbor Link, shares, “It’s not just about building fiber; it’s about creating a solid foundation for future innovation.”
Progress and Milestones: Ahead of Schedule
One of the most impressive aspects of the Harbor Link project is its rapid progress. Despite its ambitious scope, Harbor Link is ahead of schedule, with nearly 60% of the construction already complete. Crews are diligently working along the I-95 corridor, and the company is preparing to break ground in Washington DC soon. With permits secured for 95% of the route, the timeline for completion has been significantly accelerated. Recent approvals from the Maryland State Highway Administration have also allowed construction crews to resume work along key areas of I-95 as of late March 2025.
This progress ensures that Harbor Link can meet the increasing demand for high-capacity data connections. The underground network, which features a 16-way duct system engineered for flexibility, will provide unparalleled reliability and capacity to the region. Once complete, the network will not only improve access to high-speed internet but also enhance the region’s resilience, security, and overall digital infrastructure.
In Maryland, directional boring is progressing with multiple permits approved and additional applications under review. Harbor Link received its MDE Waterway Permit and is now pursuing Sediment and Erosion Control permits in preparation for river crossings. Jersey Walls have been approved, enabling extended daily construction hours—including weekends—which will help expedite this complex work. River bore operations are scheduled to begin in mid-May and continue through mid-September.
Navigating the Infrastructure Terrain
Harbor Link’s steady progress is a result of strategic foresight and effective collaboration with local and state agencies. Coordinating permitting and construction across multiple jurisdictions—each with its own processes and requirements—has required meticulous planning and open communication. Constructing a fiber optic network along the I-95 corridor, one of the busiest and most densely populated highways in the region, has also involved detailed logistics and coordination.
To manage this dynamic environment, Harbor Link has implemented careful scheduling and maintained ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders to reduce disruptions. From navigating permit platforms to planning directional boring in active transportation zones, the team has approached each phase with efficiency and adaptability—ensuring construction stays on track and progresses with minimal impact to surrounding communities.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Communities and Enabling Growth
Looking ahead, Harbor Link is focused on its broader goal of creating a resilient digital infrastructure that will support the growth of the DC metro area and beyond. The completed network will benefit hyperscale data centers and help foster innovation across various sectors, from technology startups to government agencies.
The project is on track to go live by the first half of 2026, setting the stage for a new era of high-speed digital services. As Harbor Link’s fiber optic network stretches across the I-95 corridor, the company is laying the groundwork for the region to become a global leader in data connectivity, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
To learn more about Harbor Link’s solutions, reach out today.