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October 7, 2025
RICHLAND, Wash. – Community members, partners and stakeholders are invited to a rail information night on Monday, Oct. 20, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Port of Benton’s rail facility, located at 2579 Stevens Drive in Richland.
The port will share details about upcoming rail improvements and projects, such as the Northwest Intermodal Facility, 2579 Stevens rail facility upgrades and the Steptoe Street rail crossing replacement. The rail crossing project is planned for 2026 in partnership with City of Richland and a private developer.
Additionally, the port will highlight additional repairs and upgrades planned for its rail line, utilizing a $9.56 million federal grant received under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, now referred to as the 2025 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Following the official award, these projects will include replacing up to 10,000 rail ties, replacing the entire 1-mile section of Wye track along with ties and ballast, and upgrading approximately 3 miles of track along elevated curves with heavier-duty track, which will support longer unit trains.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the railroad track, the port previously replaced its rail crossings at State Route 240, Airport Way, Saint Street, Kingsgate Way, State Route 224/Van Giesen and Swift Blvd./Cemetery Drive. Additionally, crews installed approximately 3,400 new ties and added additional ballast along the rail line. That work allowed train speeds to increase from 5 to 10 mph. The $9.5 million BUILD project will enable the rail line to return to Class 2 track, allowing speeds up to 25 mph and further reducing waiting times for drivers.
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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Contact
Summers Miya
Public Information Officer
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