Port of Stockton California improves capacity

Written by jrood

The Port of Stockton California in a public/ private partnership with Union Pacific and Metropolitan Stevedore Company completed a project to add 5,828 feet of track to the East Port interchange Tracks. This new track allows a loop upon which inbound and outbound trains can move on without interfering with operations of the port's east complex class yard. The track will be in service effective March 9, 2012.

The project was funded by the Port of Stockton, Union Pacific and Metro Ports Company. The track extensions will allow the Port of Stockton to begin receiving three more bulk unit trains per week for export. This increases the capacity at the Port of Stockton and Metro Ports ship loader to six unit trains from the current three trains per week of iron ore or coal for export. This expansion will add up to 18 more daily employees at the Port of Stockton. The tracks will also improve interchange between Union Pacific, BNSF and the Central California Traction Company, as well as reduce rail equipment dwell time at the port.

The Track was constructed by Industrial Railways Construction Company and the project was completed in 100 days, 20 days ahead of schedule. The project was managed for the port by the Central California Traction Company the shortline railroad that provides service to the Port of Stockton on behalf of BNSF and Union Pacific.

The Port of Stockton, along with the Port of Richmond California, currently handles five trains of export iron ore each week. The two ports working together allow this movement of iron ore to be competitive. Both Ports are the only United States West coast ports currently handling iron ore for export.

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