Seattle port completes grade separation; New York port picks new commerce director

Port of Seattle officials last week marked the completion of the East Marginal Way Grade Separation's second phase.

The project included surface street improvements at the south end of an overpass structure to eliminate the last remaining conflict between Union Pacific Railroad traffic and northbound highway traffic.

"This project helps to move products efficiently, reduce traffic congestion and increase economic development," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant in a press release.

The port worked with UP, Prologis Inc., the Washington State Department of Transportation and city of Seattle to advance the project.

"The East Marginal Way Grade Separation is a great example of local collaboration on freight mobility,” said Seattle Department of Transportation Director Scott Kubly.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has appointed Molly Campbell commerce director to succeed Richard Larrabee, who will retire next month. A former deputy executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, Campbell will begin her new duties July 27.

She joined the L.A. port in 2000 as chief financial officer and was promoted to deputy executive director in 2007. During her tenure, Campbell was responsible for key strategic development projects, operations and maintenance and management of the port's annual operating and capital budgets.

Most recently, she was director of financial management systems at Los Angeles World Airports.

"Molly is a rising star in the maritime community, and we're fortunate to get someone with her leadership, financial and management skills to advance our port's longstanding reputation as a premier generator of jobs and economic activity," said PANYNJ Executive Director Pat Foye in a press release.

Larrabee earlier this year announced he would retire after overseeing the East Coast's largest seaport for 15 years. During his tenure, PANYNJ's major initiatives included an expansion of the ExpressRail system and channel-deepening projects in preparation for larger ships.