May 13, 2025

RICHLAND, Wash. – Port of Benton plans to start construction on the State Route 240 railroad crossing on Thursday, May 29 at noon.

The road will be closed for the duration of the project. Detour signage and electronic highway displays will be placed more than a week before construction begins.

The intersection will reopen for traffic on Monday, June 2, by 6 a.m.

The work includes replacing the entire railroad crossing with new concrete panels, replacing the pavement on both sides of the crossing, installing new track, ties and rail signal cabinet, replacing the gate mechanisms and changing the lights to LEDs.

Port of Benton has contracted with Stacy and Witbeck for this project. It will be funded with a $865,000 National Highway Freight Program grant via the Washington State Department of Transportation and $800,000 in port grant matching funds.

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

Important Clarification:
The Washington State Department of Transportation has started a separate construction project along State Route 240 near the port’s rail crossing. For more information on the state’s project and its planned road closures, visit wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2025/improvements-state-route-240-richland-underway.

About Port of Benton

Port of Benton drives economic growth, development and private-sector investment in its district and the broader region through innovative projects and infrastructure improvements. The port’s airports, rail, business parks, industrial facilities and tourism and recreation attractions further enhance the region’s economic vitality. 

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