Port of Benton completes six grade crossing projects

The Port of Benton in Richland, Washington, has completed the sixth of seven railroad crossing replacement projects on its 16-mile White Bluffs Southern Connection rail line.

Located at the rail line's intersection at State Route 240, the sixth crossing project was completed June 1 and included installation of new concrete panels, pavement, a signal cabinet, cantilevers, and new track and ties, port officials said in a press release.

The project was funded in part by a $865,000 grant from the National Highway Freight Program through the Washington State Department of Transportation. The port matched nearly $800,000.

The final crossing replacement project is located at the rail line's intersection with Steptoe Street in Richland. The port will partner with the city later in 2025 to complete that project. As part of ongoing efforts to improve the railroad track, the port previously replaced five other crossings and installed nearly 3,400 new ties and added ballast along the rail line.

The rail line moves 1.3 million tons of freight each year for farmers, ag producers and other small and big businesses, according to port Executive Director Diahann Howard.

The port’s "Southern Connection" is a 16-mile short line that runs between Kennewick and north Richland. The port leases its southern connection rail network to Columbia Rail and receives Class I service from BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.