RICHLAND, Wash. – The Port of Benton announced the achievement of Class 1 track status for its railroad after completing significant construction projects.
This upgrade allows for greater flexibility in serving industrial rail customers without restrictions, the port said in a release.
The rail line, acquired from the U.S. Department of Energy in 1998, extends from the Union Pacific mainline near Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick to the Horn Rapids Industrial Park.
The line supports the shipment of 1.3 million tons of goods annually, primarily frozen fries and feed for local dairies.
Since 2015, the port has revitalized the track, including replacing five road crossings and installing 3,400 new rail ties.
The port said it’s seeking a $9.56 million federal grant through the RAISE program, now called the 2025 BUILD program, to further enhance the rail line. With an additional $2.4 million in matching funds, the upgrades will replace 4 miles of old track, upgrade two rail crossings and install 9,000 more ties.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, these improvements will elevate the track to Class 2 status, enabling train speeds of up to 25 mph and improving safety. Vehicle delays at crossings are expected to decrease significantly.
“This investment marks a transformative moment for our region’s infrastructure,” said Diahann Howard, Port of Benton executive director. “We’re not only improving safety and efficiency but also laying the groundwork for future economic growth.”
The port will host a rail information night on Monday, October 20, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at its rail facility at 2579 Stevens Drive, Richland.
