Coos Bay Rail Link Signs Long-Term Pact with Port

The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay and Coos Bay Rail Link (CBR) have signed a 10-year agreement, effective May 31, authorizing CBR to be the operator of the 134-mile line. The port purchased the line in 2009, two years after service was terminated by the previous owner.

CBR is a wholly owned subsidiary of ARG Transportation Services, a railroad investment company based in Eugene, Ore. Headquartered in Coos Bay, it has been running revenue freight trains under an interim agreement since October 12, 2011. 

"This long-term agreement assures stability for the railroad," said CBR General Manager Tom Foster. "It is important for shippers, employees and communities along the line to know that their railroad is here to stay."

CBR connects with the Union Pacific Railroad at Eugene, operating southwest via Coos Bay to Coquille. Principal commodities include wood products, bulk shipments, steel and dairy feed.

The line has undergone a $31 million track improvement program. The first phase was completed in April with installation of new ties, fresh track ballast and surfacing of the entire line. Inspection of the line’s 115 bridges has been completed and, where needed, renewal of structures is underway.

"It’s been exciting to restore freight rail service to the region," said Mr. Foster. "We are providing more frequent service to customers, enabling them to increase production. Having direct rail access to the Port of Coos Bay on Oregon’s south coast is a significant and under-utilized asset that we hope to grow."

His goal is to double carloadings to 5,000 this year.

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
1201 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 860, Washington, D.C. 20024
E: info@aapa-ports.org
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