The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a $52.6 million grant to modernise critical on-dock rail capabilities and improve several key roadways aimed at speeding the flow of cargo through the Port of Long Beach.
The grant will fund the addition of a track along the Dominguez Channel Railroad Bridge, removing a rail bottleneck, as part of the agency’s Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program.
The project is part of the larger Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, which aims to strengthen the port’s competitiveness by enhancing on-dock rail capacity throughout the port.
READ: Port of Long Beach extends $1.5 billion Pier B rail design contract
The Port of Long Beach’s Pier B rail yard accommodates containerised imports and exports flowing through the trans-Pacific trade route.
This is a critical juncture and rail hub for the entire country, enabling the nation’s largest port complex to connect to 30 other major rail hubs in 85 US congressional districts, according to the Port of Long Beach.
The federal grant will also go toward upgrading and relocating several roadways within the North Harbor area to ensure the safe and reliable movement of goods hauled by truck drivers.
“The North Harbor Transportation Improvements Project will modernise and expand key rail and roadways while ensuring that Port of Long Beach remains a national leader on goods movement and the environment,’’ said Long Beach Mayor, Rex Richardson.
“This investment will create jobs, boost our economy, and improve the quality of life for Long Beach residents.”
READ: Port of Long Beach releases environmental report
“I’d like to thank our federal partners for this strategic investment in expanding our on-dock rail capabilities, which will strengthen our position as the Port of Choice and alleviate truck traffic on local roads,” said Port of Long Beach CEO, Mario Cordero.
“This grant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our port teammates and their continued contributions to successfully making us a leading gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”
Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. said: “The infrastructure improvements supported by this generous grant will increase the efficiency and sustainability of port operations and reduce our impacts on surrounding communities.
“These critical projects will make the port stronger, more competitive, and boost economic growth for decades to come.”
More than $662.2 million was set aside for the Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, which awards grants based on a project’s ability to meet cargo volume growth while improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of goods moving through seaports across the US, the Port of Long Beach reported.
The port’s latest funding comes almost three months after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted $2.72 million to the Port of Long Beach to improve security and ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods during emergency situations.
Just last month, the Port of Long Beach received the Best West Coast Seaport in North America’s award for the fifth year in a row by Asia Cargo News.