California port pursues rail-related project for Honda traffic
(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on November 4, 2009.)
The Port of Richmond, Calif., recently launched a $40 million rail infrastructure project designed to help the facility handle more than 145,000 imported American Honda vehicles annually. Earlier this year, American Honda announced plans to shift some of its imported vehicle volume from the Port of San Diego to Richmond.
The project will increase BNSF Railway Co.’s service to the port, according to TransDevelopment Group, which will serve as construction manager and handle project planning, environmental permitting and design. The project calls for upgrading a rail line along the port entrance roadway and building a second dedicated rail line exclusively for American Honda traffic. In addition, a seven-track, 84-car loading and unloading facility will be constructed at the Point Potrero Marine Terminal, and BNSF’s automotive facility located about one mile from the port will be upgraded with a six-track yard to support port switching operations.
TransDevelopment Group is under contract with Auto Warehousing, which will handle imported Honda vehicles before they’re delivered to local dealers or shipped via rail to southwestern U.S. dealerships.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
