RICHLAND, Wash. – The Port of Benton is starting prep work on Saturday for its rail tie replacement project that starts Wednesday.
Workers will replace 3,400 rail ties on the Port of Benton’s rail line, which runs between Center Parkway in Kennewick and Horn Rapids Industrial Park in Richland.
Traffic impact will be minimal, however train traffic will be delayed.
“Continued improvements to the port’s rail line are vital to return it to Class 2 conditions, allowing increased speeds for freight trains,” said port executive director Diahann Howard. “Increased speeds will reduce the time a train blocks an intersection, decreasing vehicle wait times and minimizing the impact to fire and emergency vehicles, greatly improving public safety.”
The project was funded by a $1.21 million grant from the Washington State Legislature.
