Port Freeport in the US has begun construction on the first phase of the Parcel 14 Rail Development, which is intended to improve landside accessibilities and supply chain efficiencies for users of the port.
The new rail infrastructure is currently scheduled to become fully operational by July next year.
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Port Freeport Commissioners approved the appointment of James Construction for the $21m Parcel 14 Rail Development project last month.
Nearly 21,000 linear feet of rail track is set to be built as part of the initiative.
It will comprise a 6,000ft lead track that spurs from the Union Pacific main line at Cherry Street that crosses State Highway 36 (SH36), and connect to three ladder tracks of approximately 5,000ft each.
Port Freeport chairman Paul Kresta said: “The Port is pleased to begin work with James Construction on this new rail project to support the business needs of our current and future customers and create jobs and economic prosperity for the area.
“With the opening of the expanded Panama Canal and the oil and gas renaissance experienced in this region and the new resin production coming on line, growth at Port Freeport will continue.”
Parcel 14 will be developed into a 250-acre multimodal industrial park adjacent to SH-36.
It will feature various new warehousing facilities, as well as additional vehicle processing and storage areas.
Image: Representatives from Port Freeport Commission, executive staff, and James Construction break ground for Phase 1 of the Parcel 14 Rail Development. Photo: courtesy of Port Freeport.
