The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility Project aims to expand the port’s capability for loading shipping containers directly onto wagons instead of loading onto lorries for short-haul trips. The expansion and reconfiguration of the existing Pier B rail yard will create a staging area for loading freight trains that are more than 3km long, with each train eliminating up to 750 local lorry trips.

The City of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners last month approved the selection of HDR to lead design for the project, as well as site investigations, traffic studies, structural analyses, lighting analyses, program sequencing and more. The selection marks a major milestone for the port with the project in the works for years.

HDR said it will work with sub-consultant Moffatt & Nichol on the Pier B project, scheduled to be completed in three phases, with the first phase expected to be complete by 2024.