Proposed Pier B project would move cargo more sustainably

Trains at the Port of Long Beach.The Port of Long Beach has released the final study for a proposal to redevelop a rail yard within the Harbor District to move cargo faster and with fewer environmental impacts.

The proposed Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility would shift more cargo to “on-dock rail,” which places containers directly on trains at marine terminals. Currently, the ability to build long trains is limited due to the lack of adequate yard tracks and the configuration of mainline tracks.

The Pier B facility would change this by providing track space to join together trains assembled at terminals. No cargo trucks would visit the facility, enhancing the environmental benefits of pushing more cargo to rail transportation. A 1-mile-long train can take as many as 750 trucks off the roadways. Additionally, the rail facility would be operated by Pacific Harbor Line, a switching railroad that has converted its fleet to clean diesel locomotives that reduce air pollution and save fuel. View a video about the project below.

“Building longer trains within the Port would lessen local traffic congestion related to goods movement,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “This facility is vital to meet our environmental goals while helping us stay competitive and power the city’s economy.”

The Harbor Commission will consider the final environmental impact report (EIR) for the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility during its regular meeting on Jan. 22. The study analyzes the environmental impacts of the proposed development, and the mitigation measures that would be used to address those impacts. The draft EIR was released Dec. 15, 2016. Port staff held a series of public meetings and solicited comments from stakeholders. All comments received have been responded to in the final EIR.

If the Commission approves the document, the Port will continue to stay engaged with the community as the project progresses. The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility would be located southwest of Anaheim Street and Interstate 710.