News & Updates
Construction Begins on Port of Palm Beach Infrastructure Development Program
The Port of Palm Beach recently kicked off its Port Infrastructure Development Program; a project supported by a $13.2M grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration. The PIDP is set to enhance the Port’s infrastructure and boost its operational efficiency.
Key enhancements include:
- Revamped Main Port Gate: The redesign of the main port gate off MLK Blvd. will introduce additional lanes, streamlining truck entry and improving cargo transport efficiency within the Port.
- Advanced Truck Processing System: A new system will cut incoming container truck wait times by 50 percent, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing overall port operations.
- Expanded Freight Rail Capacity: The project will boost annual freight rail capacity by 116 percent, increasing it from 44,000 to nearly 100,000 TEUs. The addition of new rail tracks will also provide increased storage for railcars within the port.
- Reduced Truck Traffic: By expanding intermodal rail capacity, the project will eliminate 29,000 truck trips annually from the congested Interstate 95 corridor and surface transportation network.
- Job Creation: At least 105 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase, providing a boost to the local economy
The design build project is a collaboration between the Port of Palm Beach, Gonzalez & Sons Equipment Inc., HDR, PSA Management, Transystems and Moffatt and Nichol.
The project is divided into four phases.
- Phase 1: Rail tracks west of Slip 2, a parking lot west of the molasses tanks and the refrigerated container area just east of the Port’s main entrance.
- Phase 2: Open South Gate to traffic, construct south track area and section of South Port Road
- Phase 3: Open Main Gate to traffic, close old interchange, and construct North Port Road and Avenue E
- Phase 4: Complete remaining items