Rail
Port of Benton’s Southern Connection is a 16-mile short line rail network that runs between Center Parkway in Kennewick and Horn Rapids Road in north Richland. The line serves shippers from around the region to efficiently get their products to market.
We lease the Southern Connection rail network to a short line operator, Columbia Rail, to manage, maintain and operate. Onsite rail service is provided by the short line operator and two Class I railroads.*
*As of July 18, 2022 the Port of Benton has terminated its lease with the previous short line operator. Please refer to the press release on our website for more information.
Leveraging a Federal Asset
In 1998, the U.S. Department of Energy transferred ownership of the 16-mile Southern Connection rail line, the surrounding land and buildings to Port of Benton. This transfer in ownership was done to avoid closure of the railroad and to foster economic development efforts.
For more than 20 years, we have worked to honor the spirit of this transfer by spurring economic and industrial development in Benton County.
Current Projects
- Rail Crossings Upgrades & Track Maintenance
In 2024, the Port will replace rail crossings and perform additional track maintenance at the three intersections below.
Each intersection will be fully closed for multiple days during construction. Detour routes will be in place and communicated well in advance.
Contact
Port of Benton for emergencies or to report a problem:
Columbia Rail to report a problem:
Dial 911 if an immediate threat to life safety.
Train Safety & Federal Guidelines
Rates & Capabilities
Please contact Union Pacific or BNSF Railway for current Class I rates and capabilities. Please contact Columbia Rail (CWW, LLC) for current short line rail rates and capabilities.
Rail Project
Plan Document
Bid Opportunities
To be considered for bid opportunities please follow the link below and register with the Port’s Small Works and Professional Rosters. Rail opportunities will be shared with registered bidders.
Plans
Reports
Current Rail Projects
| State Route 240 | Airport Way | Saint Street |
|---|---|---|
| This project will replace the railroad crossing and replace the railroad crossing flashing lights and gates. The Port will continue performing asphalt and concrete maintenance on this crossing until it is replaced to sustain safe train and vehicle traffic operations. | The work at the Airport Way intersection will replace the railroad crossing with new concrete panels. | Crews will replace the Saint Street railroad crossing with concrete panels and install lighted crossbucks. |
| Project Schedule | Project Schedule | Project Schedule |
| The Port will complete the projects in the summer of 2024 and will communicate the specific project dates once they are determined. Work windows will be limited to noon on a Thursday to 6 a.m. on the following Monday to minimize disruptions to vehicle traffic. | The Port will complete the projects in the summer of 2024 and will communicate the specific project dates once they are determined. Work windows will be limited to noon on a Thursday to 6 a.m. on the following Monday to minimize disruptions to vehicle traffic. | The Port will complete the projects in the summer of 2024 and will communicate the specific project dates once they are determined. Work windows will be limited to noon on a Thursday to 6 a.m. on the following Monday to minimize disruptions to vehicle traffic. |
| Project Funding | Project Funding | Project Funding |
| $865,000 National Highway Freight Program Grant Washington State Department of Transportation
| $1.03 Million Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) Grant Washington State Department of Transportation
| $1.03 Million Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) Grant Washington State Department of Transportation
|
Planned Projects
Intermodal Facility
Creating an inland port in Richland would give eastern Washington companies experiencing growth and demand for their domestic and global products another option to get their goods to market.
An inland port would also further increase investment and job creation within the intermodal sector, support the growth of existing industries and progress regional clean energy and advanced manufacturing goals.
The proposed north Richland location is on Port of Benton and City of Richland rail-served industrial areas in north Richland with nearby access to rail facilities, interstates, state routes and a barge complex.
The Port and City completed a one-to-one land exchange in the spring/summer 2024 to provide contiguous property for the proposed intermodal facility, which will be Port-led.
Letters of Support
Communications & Outreach
The Port is engaging with the public, partners and other stakeholders to gather input on plans for an intermodal facility north of Richland.
As we plan public information sessions and site visits, we will announce those in multiple ways, including via our mailing list. Please be sure to sign up to receive our eNews in your inbox for the latest updates and announcements.
2024
Public Meeting
July 11, 2024 Richland Public Library
Port Planning Intermodal Facility & Rail Improvements
Newsletter Article - Spring 2024
Inter-Tribal Advisory Board Update
April 25, 2024
Leadership Tri-Cities Economic Development Day Presentation
March 20, 2024 Three Rivers Convention Center
State of the Ports 2024 Presentation
March 12, 2024 Pasco Red Lion
State of the Ports 2024
Watch Video
Northwest Seaport Alliance Reception
January 17, 2024
2023
Washington Public Ports Association
December 7, 2023
Rail Crossings Upgrades & Track Maintenance Planned
Newsletter Article - Fall 2023
2024 Rail Crossings Projects Letter
July 10, 2023
Port of Benton Railroad
Newsletter Article - Summer 2023
Port Earns Community Engagement Award
May 23, 2023 Press Release
2022
Rail Caucus Tour
September 29, 2022
Rail Caucus Legislators Tour Tri-Cities Rail Network
Newsletter Article - Fall 2022
Port Construction Projects Updates - Rail
Newsletter Article - Fall 2022
Past State and Federal Grant Requests
| Grant Program | Date | Amount | Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program Grant Statement of Work Cost Estimate Letters of Support | FY 2022 | $8 million | The CRISI grant would have funded replacing the at-grade crossing panels and signal equipment at five crossings (Battelle Blvd., State Route 240, Saint Street, Airport Way and Jadwin Signal), repairing ties and rail through three at-grade crossings, correcting and repairing track bonding, repairing the asphalt approaches. | Not Selected |
Rail History
In 1998, the Port finalized a Hanford land transfer of the 1100 Area. This transfer of land and assets from the U.S. Department of Energy to the Port included the central stores warehouse, railroad facilities and a short line rail.
The initial name for this site was Horn Rapids Industrial Park and the Horn Rapids Rail Center. This name was later changed to the Port of Benton Manufacturing Mall.
After the federal land transfers, the Port added 831 acres to its portfolio and is now one of the largest landholding ports in the state.
To read more about Port of Benton’s rail assets and history, visit our Rail and History web pages.
