Long Beach port unveils environmental study of proposed on-dock rail facility

The Port of Long Beach has released a final environmental impact report for a proposed rail yard project that would shift more cargo to on-dock rail.

The proposed Pier B on-dock rail facility would allow for the faster movement of cargo with fewer environmental impacts, port officials said in press release.

The Pier B facility would allow containers to be placed 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, they said.

A new Pier B facility would change that situation by providing track space to join trains assembled at terminals. No cargo trucks would visit the facility, which would enhance environmental benefits, port officials said.

Pacific Harbor Line — which has converted its fleet to clean diesel locomotives — would operate the rail facility.

"Building longer trains within the Port would lessen local traffic congestion related to goods movement," said Port 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 port's Harbor Commission will consider the report on Jan. 22. The proposed on-dock rail support facility would be located southwest of Anaheim Street and Interstate 710.