Image: NOPB staff, france Road expansion project NOPB rail France Road Expansion_ Ribbon cutting
NEW ORLEANS — A momentous milestone has been achieved in enhancing the operational landscape of the New Orleans rail gateway, as the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) proudly announces the successful culmination of a pivotal expansion initiative. The inauguration of the France Road Railyard, strategically situated along the Industrial Canal, marks a significant stride towards streamlining operations, amplifying throughput capabilities, and accommodating an impressive additional 220 storage cars.
“As we forge ahead, bolstering storage capacity within the New Orleans freight gateway entails twin advantages – mitigating rail congestion and providing our esteemed customers, railroad partners, and the distinguished Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) with a distinct competitive edge,” articulated NOPB General Manager Tomeka Watson Bryant. “Our commitment to delivering secure, efficient, and ecologically sustainable rail services remains resolute as we look ahead.”
The France Road Railyard endeavor is an integral facet of the comprehensive $18.2 million New Orleans Gateway Rail Fluidity and Capacity Improvements Project. This extensive project blueprint encompasses a comprehensive scope, including the construction of five new tracks and the augmentation of storage facilities to accommodate 205 cars at the Kingfish Yard in Elmwood, a feat achieved in 2020. Furthermore, a concurrent expansion effort at the Claiborne Yard, strategically positioned near the St. Claude area, is projected to conclude by June 2024.
The symbiotic alignment of the Port and NOPB since 2018 has yielded substantial benefits, with switch revenues registering an impressive growth of over 20%. This surge is a testament to the stride made in enhancing safety, efficiency, and operational dynamics. Impressively, NOPB’s operating income has surged by nearly 300%. Capital storage projects of a similar nature have yielded equally commendable results, generating an annual increase of over $3 million in storage revenues.
“The transformation of Louisiana’s railway infrastructure is tantamount to an investment in the state’s economic landscape, with ramifications that will reverberate into the future,” underscored U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, (R-La), speaking to the wider implications of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad expansion project. This strategic initiative, aimed at elevating the state’s economic prowess, promises to empower businesses and invigorate local communities.
The regional significance of this endeavor is not lost on U.S. Congressman Garret Graves, (R-La), who remarked, “Louisiana’s indispensable role as a global commerce hub hinges on its multimodal transportation infrastructure. The successful completion of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad project holds the potential to catalyze far-reaching benefits for the entire port ecosystem, thus fortifying the core of our regional economy.”
U.S. Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La), highlighted his instrumental role in securing resources for the region. “The expansion of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad’s rail yard stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering regional growth. The tangible outcome of this expansion translates into heightened employment prospects for the area, exemplifying our steadfast dedication to nurturing the region’s prosperity.”
Amit Bose, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), expressed his endorsement of the project, citing its multifaceted advantages. “The expansion of the railyard project by the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad resonates with our strategic vision of augmenting capacity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability within the rail transportation landscape,” Bose stated. He further alluded to the substantial support garnered through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, poised to invigorate rail’s pivotal role in shaping the transportation and economic tapestry.
The funding momentum for this transformative initiative received a significant boost through the U.S. Department of Transportation, which allocated $7.29 million to NOPB in 2020 via the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant. This financial injection facilitated the expansion of railyard capacities and the seamless integration of automated switching technology. These innovations have already yielded discernible outcomes, with reduced emissions, minimized locomotive engine idling, and an upswing in safety protocols throughout the network.
David Kearney, President of The Kearney Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of Precision Terminal Logistics, LLC, lauded the investment in augmented track capacity. “The expansion of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad’s France Yard holds the promise of efficient material transport by rail, catering to the exigencies of local customers and facilitating access to export markets. This capacity augmentation underscores our commitment to catalyzing growth through our France Road Terminal investments.”
Functioning as a Class III railroad within the framework of the nation’s fourth-largest rail gateway, NOPB is primed to cement its position as a vital cog in serving the Port of New Orleans. With direct connectivity to six class I railroads, NOPB orchestrates a network spanning over 132,000 miles, effectively linking Port NOLA and the expansive supply chain to markets across the U.S. and Canada.
NOPB’s operational landscape comprises primary facilities such as the Cotton Warehouse Yard, situated proximately to the corporate headquarters in Uptown New Orleans. Further augmenting capabilities are the Claiborne and France yards, which cater to Downtown customers. The NOPB system’s comprehensive scope is amplified by the presence of four storage yards, namely Pauline, Race St., East Bridge, and South yards. The successful realization of the France Road Railyard project positions NOPB to solidify the pivotal role of the New Orleans rail gateway in both regional and national economic dynamics.
For further information, please visit www.nopb.com.
