New Orleans, LA — In a significant move to enhance transportation infrastructure, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) Board of Commissioners has awarded a $2,209,635 contract to Cycle Construction Company LLC. This contract is set to transform the NOPB Transloading Industrial Park located off Jourdan Road in New Orleans East. The project, with a total cost of $3 million, aims to create a robust site facilitating more efficient freight movement between rail and truck, particularly into the heartland of America.
The NOPB Transloading Industrial Park, situated on Terminal Road and owned by the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), is poised to become a pivotal hub for shippers. It promises to streamline operations and foster business growth in the region by introducing cost-effective shipping options with access to new markets. The development aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Port of New Orleans and NOPB to enhance multimodal infrastructure, ensuring a competitive edge for customers and railroad partners.
Brandy D. Christian, President & CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of NOPB, expressed gratitude for the support received from the State of Louisiana DOTD. A $1.5 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Shortline Railroad Priority Program, coupled with a matching fund of $1.5 million from NOPB, is set to fuel the project.
Dean Goodell, Freight and Passenger Rail Director for LADOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce, highlighted the significance of this project as one of the pioneering initiatives under the new Shortline Rail Improvement Program. He expressed the department’s commitment to providing additional funding to NOPB through this critical program.
The NOPB Transloading Industrial Park is expected to accommodate up to 21 railcars upon completion. The project encompasses vital infrastructure improvements, including the addition of three rail tracks, enhanced rail switching capabilities, drainage enhancements, and road upgrades. These enhancements will contribute not only to the efficiency of freight movement but also to the overall growth of the economy, creating job opportunities in the region.
Tomeka Watson Bryant, General Manager of NOPB, emphasized that the industrial park would not only serve existing operators but also attract new players to the New Orleans market. This initiative aligns with NOPB’s commitment to expanding its network and delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable rail service.
Construction is scheduled to commence in April 2024, with an anticipated completion date in the summer of the same year. The strategic location of Port NOLA, the only deepwater port in the U.S. connected to all six class I railroads, underscores the significance of NOPB as a Class III railroad on the nation’s fourth-largest rail gateway. This extensive rail network spans over 132,000 miles, directly linking Port NOLA and the supply chain to every U.S. market and Canada.
The NOPB Transloading Industrial Park project signifies a pivotal step towards fostering economic growth, improving freight efficiency, and solidifying New Orleans’ position as a key player in the maritime and logistics sector.
