June 27, 2024

RICHLAND, Wash. – Port of Benton is hosting a community information night on July 8 to provide an update on planned rail construction, track maintenance and rail modernization projects.

What: Rail Modernization & Intermodal Facility Information Night
Where: Richland Public Library, Doris Roberts Gallery, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland
When: Monday, July 8 from 5 to 6 p.m.

• The planned projects include:
  Replacing rail crossings at State Route 240, Airport Way and Saint Street
• Replacing approximately 3,000 ties on track between Duportail Street and Horn Rapids Industrial Park
• Planning for a rail intermodal improvements on industrial property in North Richland near the Port’s existing rail assets

The crossings replacement projects will require full road closures over a weekend and include detours. The port will announce the closure dates for each 2024 crossing replacement project once they are set.

The tie replacements will only impact train traffic over an eight-week period this fall. The port will also announce the dates for this project once scheduled and plan work windows to minimize disruptions.

These improvement projects will allow train speeds to increase, enhance safety and reduce interruptions for vehicle traffic at crossings. The projects will also improve pedestrians and bicycles crossing the tracks. Modernizing the rail line and the future rail intermodal facility will support local agriculture and growing other industries in the Tri-Cities region in getting their goods to market.

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

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