NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad’s board of commissioners has awarded a $2.2 million contract for construction of a new transload facility.
The contract was awarded on Tuesday to Cycle Construction Co. LLC for construction of the NOPB Transloading Industrial Park in New Orleans East. The $3 million project will be funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Shortline Railroad Priority Program, matched by $1.5 million from the railroad.
“The Port of New Orleans and the NOPB continue to provide multimodal infrastructure improvements to move freight more efficiently through our global gateway,” Brandy D. Christian, CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt and the Port of New Orleans, said in a press release. “These upgrades not only offer customers and railroad partners a competitive edge, but also will help grow the economy and bring jobs to the region. We are grateful to State of Louisiana DOTD for their generous support in granting us the opportunity to enhance our railroad infrastructure.”
The facility will be built on port-owned property and will have a capacity of 21 railcars. Infrastructure improvements will include addition of three tracks, switching capabilities, drainage, and road upgrades. Construction is expected to begin in April and be completed this summer.
“The NOPB Transloading Industrial Park will allow new and current operators to enter or expand in the New Orleans market,” said NOPB General Manager Tomeka Watson Bryant. “This is another example of the NOPB growing its network and continuing to provide safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable rail service.”
A map of the location would have been nice. Live not far from this area but would like to know it is being built.