Port of Los Angeles completes US$73 million rail expansion project

"This US$73 million rail project will increase cargo efficiency while reducing emissions -- a cornerstone of the Port’s blueprint for sustainable growth. Advancing capital improvement initiatives like this are key to ensuring the Port remains competitive," stated Gene Seroka, Executive Director of Port of Los Angeles.

By increasing the use of the Pier 400 on-dock rail yard, this project will provide additional rail capacity for all terminal operators at the Port of Los Angeles. The rail yard is a critical link between the San Pedro Bay port complex and the Alameda Corridor, which handles about 10% of all waterborne containers entering and exiting the United States.

"Thanks to the Port's significant investment in rail infrastructure, APM Terminals will 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," mentioned Jon Poelma, managing director of APM Terminals Los Angeles Pier 400.

With growing rail demand, the expanded rail yard is expected to eliminate approximately 1,200 truck trips per day by 2040.

Construction of the upgraded and expanded intermodal rail storage yard near the APM Terminals container terminal began in 2021. The project added 31,000 linear feet of track, including 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.

Additionally, the project involved relocating a portion of the lead track onto the Port of Los Angeles property, realigning the track connection to the rail storage yard, modifying Reeves Avenue, and relocating the at-grade crossing from Nimitz Avenue to Reeves Avenue.Furthermore, the construction was completed by the Herzog/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture.

The Californian port received US$21.6 million in grant funding from the California Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), which supports the improvement of freight corridors in the state. The remaining cost of nearly US$51.6 million was funded by the Port.