Penn-North station
| Industry | Public transportation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | Baltimore metropolitan area |
| Parent | Maryland Department of Transportation |
Penn-North station is a subterranean stop on the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink and functions as a transit interchange accommodating several bus lines in West Baltimore, Maryland. Its name derives from its position at the junction of Pennsylvania and North Avenues within the Penn-North area. It ranks as the deepest station along the route, situated eighth when counting from the northern and western terminus, and it is the closest station to Owings Mills station that does not offer complimentary parking.
Artwork
In September 2021, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) engaged Baltimore-based artist Megan Lewis to produce a mural at Penn-North station, investing $60,000. This project represented the first addition of new artwork to the Baltimore Metro subway system in several years.
Excavation and construction
Originally referred to as North Avenue station during its planning phase, Penn-North holds the distinction of being the Baltimore Metro's deepest station, with platforms located 120 feet beneath street level. Consistent with other underground stops on this line, it was constructed using the cut-and-cover technique. The excavation primarily involved removing schist-derived residual soils overlaying crystalline metamorphic bedrock typical of Baltimore’s Piedmont region. Excavation walls were stabilized by soldier piles embedded as deep as 50 feet below ground level into the bedrock.
Monitoring of structural settlement revealed minimal effects—specifically, 0.14 feet of ground settlement caused by groundwater withdrawal—on adjacent residential and warehouse structures.
The station commenced operations in November 1983 alongside the inauguration of the Baltimore Metro subway line. Although significant investments were made near numerous stations, early redevelopment initiatives targeted at Penn-North during the 1980s ultimately did not come to fruition.
2015 protests
Rioting occurred in April 2015 around Penn-North station following the death of Freddie Gray.