The Port of Los Angeles on July 10 announced that it has completed construction of a major rail expansion project on Pier 400 that would improve cargo flow, reduce emissions and improve roadway safety at the port.
Construction of the upgraded, expanded intermodal rail storage yard near the container terminal operated by APM Terminals began in 2021. The project added 31,000 linear feet of track with five new railroad storage tracks, a concrete rail bridge with lighting, an asphalt access roadway, new crossovers and turnouts, and modifications to the compressed air system, according to the port.
Work also included the relocation of a portion of the lead track onto Port of Los Angeles property, realignment of the track connection to the rail storage yard, modifications to Reeves Avenue, and relocation of the at-grade crossing from Nimitz Avenue to Reeves Avenue.
“This $73 million rail project will increase cargo efficiency while reducing emissions—a cornerstone of the port’s blueprint for sustainable growth,” Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “Advancing capital improvement initiatives like this are key to ensuring the port remains competitive.”
By increasing use of the Pier 400 on-dock rail yard, the project will in turn create additional rail capacity for all Port of Los Angeles terminal operators. The rail yard serves as critical link between the San Pedro Bay port complex and the Alameda Corridor, which carries about 10% of all waterborne containers entering and exiting the U.S.
Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Los Angeles Pier 400 said that thanks to the port’s significant investment in rail infrastructure, APM would be able to handle increased volumes of intermodal cargo with greater efficiency across a wider variety of inland locations.
“This strategic upgrade enhances the Port of LA’s attractiveness as a gateway for cargo owners who rely on fast, efficient, and well-connected supply chains to serve their customers,” he remarked.
As rail demand increases, the expanded rail yard is projected to eliminate an estimated 1,200 truck trips per day by 2040, according to the port.
The POLA received $21.6 million in grant funding from the California Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), which funds improving freight corridors in the State. The port itself funded the remaining cost of nearly $51.6 million.
The port’s announced competition of its on-dock rail came just little over a week before the adjoining the Port of Long Beach held a groundbreaking for its own on-dock rail expansion at Pier B.
That project, currently estimated to cost nearly $1.6 billion to complete, is covered elsewhere in this issue.