August 17, 2022

Richland, Wash. – Port of Benton will begin construction on the Van Giesen/State Route 224 railroad crossing on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Noon (12 p.m.)  This project will fully replace the railroad crossing, rail, ties, concrete crossing panels, and the road on both sides of the crossing will be repaved.

The railroad crossing replacement project will require full closure of Van Giesen Street for the duration of the project, with the crossing reopening for traffic no later than Monday, August 22, 2022 at 6 a.m.  The roadway will be opened earlier if construction is completed ahead of schedule.
Detour signs will be in place and electronic highway notification will be displayed directing traffic around the detour, generally Van Giesen Street, to Bombing Range Road and Keene Road, and then via Duportail Street back to State Route 240.

The Port has contracted with Railworks Track Systems for replacement of the Van Giesen/State Route 224 crossing project.  Plans are in place to also replace the Swift Blvd./Cemetery crossing in September 2022.  Both rail crossing projects are 100% Port-funded.  

For additional information, please visit portofbenton.com/projects, or call 509-375-3060.

*Please note that although the Port of Benton owns the rail and trackage commonly known as the Southern Connection, for all legal intents and purposes, the Port of Benton is not considered a railroad, and as such, will not be taking over any operations of the Port trackage.  We appreciate your patience and open communication throughout this process.

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