Jacobs is set to lead construction upgrades at the Port of Long Beach as part of a transformative rail expansion aimed at boosting freight efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The firm will oversee the development of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility as part of the port’s $2.2 billion infrastructure program designed to enhance cargo flow, reduce emissions, and boost regional economic growth.
Scheduled for completion in 2032, the project will transform radically the current Pier B rail yard. The facility will double in size—more than two-fold—from 82 acres to 171 acres—and more than triple the port’s on-dock rail capacity from handling 1.5 million to 4.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. The rail-boosted upgrade will help reduce the port’s reliance on trucking, thereby alleviating roadway congestion and improving air quality throughout surrounding neighborhoods.
Jacobs Executive Vice President Eva Wood highlighted the strategic importance of the project, saying, “The Port of Long Beach is a critical gateway for international trade. Our work will help accelerate cargo movement, lower transportation expenses, and increase the supply chain’s resilience nationally.”
New terminal
The new terminal will also feature a full-service locomotive depot capable of fueling and servicing as many as 30 engines simultaneously, and a staging area to break down and reassemble trains up to 10,000 feet long. These additions will directly connect to the Alameda Corridor rail system, offering a seamless connection between the port and inland destinations across the country.
Construction began in 2024 and will be handed over on ten separate contracts. As well as enhancing operating efficiency, the scheme will deliver comprehensive community benefits—such as the generation of over 1,000 local employment opportunities and local health and environmental projects.
Long Beach Port CEO Mario Cordero referred to the project as core to the port’s mission. “This facility will allow us to move more cargo through our terminals with both speed and fewer environmental impacts. Jacobs has the experience we need to manage such a big and complex project, and we have confidence in their ability to help us deliver this new entrance for container freight.”.
When finished, the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility will be a model of green port facilities, facilitating cleaner, faster transit of cargo through the national network of logistics.
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Jacobs to Lead Upgrades at Port of Long Beach: Project Factsheet
Location: Port of Long Beach, California
Construction Manager: Jacobs
Project Value: Part of $2.2 billion infrastructure initiative
Timeline: 2024-2032
Key Specifications
Site Expansion: 82 acres → 171 acres (109% increase)
Annual Capacity: 1.5M → 4.7M TEUs (213% increase)
Construction Contracts: 10 separate phases
Connection: Direct link to Alameda Corridor rail system
Major Infrastructure Components
Full-Service Locomotive Depot
Simultaneous fueling/servicing of 30 engines
Complete maintenance facilities
Train Assembly/Staging Area
Accommodates trains up to 10,000 feet long
Enhanced operational flexibility
Project Benefits
Environmental Impact
Reduced truck traffic and road congestion
Lower emissions through modal shift to rail
Improved air quality for surrounding communities
Economic Impact
1,000+ local jobs created
Reduced transportation costs
Enhanced supply chain resilience
Operational Impact
Faster cargo movement through terminals
Increased port efficiency and competitiveness
Model for sustainable port infrastructure
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