Port of Los Angeles US$137 million intermodal rail yard breaks ground

THE Port of Los Angeles is to begin construction on its rail yard project in Wilmington at a cost of US$137 million which will act as a queuing yard for storage from local railways.

The intermodal yard due to be completed by summer 2014 will generate construction and 2,000 jobs and reduce the number of truck trips to Long Beach and on harbour freeways by as much as 2,300 a day.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Port of Los Angeles officials broke ground on the new project, which will link the Port of Los Angeles and the Alameda Corridor.

Construction at Berth 200, or West Basin Railyard, when completed, will move cargo efficiently, reduce truck traffic and improve air quality, said the port statement.

"The port's priorities are competitive operations, strong relationships and financial strength," said port executive director Geraldine Knatz. "This project hits all three marks by allowing us to move cargo more safely and efficiently, making us a better business partner and neighbour to our surrounding communities, and procuring federal and state funding to make the best use of port dollars."