The Port of Long Beach’s Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility recently received a financial boost from the federal government.
The port recently netted a $52.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration for the project, which would allow the port to process more cargo by rail and reduce the environmental impact of moving cargo by trucks.
“This is great news to hear at the end of what will be our busiest year ever,” port Executive Director Mario Cordero said. “We appreciate the U.S. Department of Transportation’s support for this important project. It will help to move cargo more efficiently through the port, getting needed products and goods to homes and businesses across America faster.”
The on-dock rail facility, which is a key component of the port’s $1 billion rail capital improvement program, would allow the port to handle more of its cargo directly from terminals to trains instead of trucks. Rather than having drayage trucks come to the facility, smaller train segments would go to the facility and connect as a full-sized train.
Construction is expected to begin in 2023, with the initial arrival, departure and storage tracks anticipated for 2025 completion. Additional tracks are expected to be in service in 2030 before the project’s 2032 completion.
More information of the project is available at https://polb.com/port-info/projects/#pier-b-on-dock-support-facility.
