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Landside Connections: Corpus Christi, Los Angeles

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Corpus Christi: Nueces River Rail Yard Phase I Grand Opening 

Port Corpus Christi celebrated the opening of Phase I of its Nueces River Rail Yard with a special ceremony on April 10.

The project includes a 9,920-foot-long siding capable of storing a 160-car unit train adjacent to the Fulton Corridor Lead track that serves port industries. Unit trains are increasingly used for shipment of grain, sand, rock, liquids and similar cargo. The new rail interchange, Nueces River Rail Yard, will initially consist of four parallel ladder tracks for a total yard capacity of 15,300 linear feet and 253 rail cars. 

Phase I is a $17.8 million construction project financed  by a $10 million  federal TIGER grant and funding from Port Corpus Christi and the Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and Genesee & Wyoming railroads. 

"The expansion of the port's capabilities is an important logistical project, and a critical component to the port's strategic diversification efforts. The Nueces River Rail Yard will support the unprecedented regional growth, and expand our capabilities in moving goods for new and already established industries around the port," said Port Commission Chair Judy Hawley. 

Commencement of phase II construction coincided with the opening of phase I. Funding includes a $22 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation and $6 million from the port. Scheduled for completion by first quarter of 2017, phase II will increase rail yard capacity to eight 8000-foot long unit train sidings and 1,247 rail cars. 

"This new facility will make the port more competitive and more environmentally friendly," said Tyson O. Moeller, Union Pacific’s Director of Gulf Ports. "This is a great public private partnership that will make rail operations more efficient between the UP and the Port of Corpus Christi. This is a long-term investment in the Nueces area for current and future business growth." 

Corpus Christi’s new Nueces River Rail Yard.
Photo/Port Corpus Christi

Los Angeles: Port Completes South Wilmington Grade Separation Bridge Project

The Port of Los Angeles has completed construction of the South Wilmington Grade Separation Bridge, a 4,100-foot-long structure in an area heavily used by pedestrians, truckers and port commuters.

The bridge officially opened after 26 months of construction at a total project cost of $84 million, partially funded through Prop 1B, State Corridor Transportation Funds. Construction involved the cooperation and collaboration among many organizations and agencies. 

"This project increases public safety, improves the flow of goods, and saves time for the people and businesses of our community," said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka."Rail and gate productivity are key to the supply chain and this project directly impacts both functions."

The bridge eliminates conflict between vehicular traffic and two railroad crossings and provides uninterrupted vehicular access to the South Wilmington area. The new grade separation facilitates emergency vehicle access, eliminates truck queues and traffic delays, and increases pedestrian safety. The project also eases access to facilities south of Harry Bridges Boulevard, including a new entrance to the port’s TraPac Terminal. 
 

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