Long Beach Port Completes $93 Million Rail Project
The project known as Green Port Gateway is designed to support increased cargo volumes at the port, which set an all-time record in August, breaking a mark set the month before. Now that the project is done, more trains can use the Alameda Corridor rail line. Port officials estimate that one train can replace 750 truck moves.
The percentage of cargo that moves to and from the port by rail has grown steadily, and now stands at 28%, a port spokesman said.
“This project will enable us to reach our goal of moving 35% of containerized cargo via on-dock rail this decade,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup. “It will also support our long-range ambition to eventually move 50% of our goods directly from terminals by train.”
Today #polb is celebrating the completion of the Green Port Gateway Rail Project with a dedication ceremony. pic.twitter.com/Bwli7GiUwu
— Port of Long Beach (@portoflongbeach) September 16, 2015Six miles of new rail were laid to add a third track and reduce congestion by ending a bottleneck. The new track under Ocean Boulevard, a main thoroughfare. Related road and utility projects as well as retaining wall construction also were part of the plan that was funded with local, state and federal money.
The latest improvements are part of a $1 billion rail improvement program being advanced by the nation’s second-largest port.
California’s Proposition 1B Trade Corridor Improvement Fund, along with money from other state agencies, combined to cover $23.1 million of the cost. Federal funds from the Tiger III, or Transportation Improvements Generating Economic Recovery, contributed $17 million. Local funds covered the rest of the project, which was approved for construction three years ago.
Terminals in the southeast portion of the port, including the new Middle Harbor Terminal, will benefit from the project.
