Construction of Oakland army base rail link project begins

A global logistics hub envisioned for Oakland’s decommissioned army base has taken a big step forward when the US Port of Oakland and Union Pacific (UP) railroad began construction to link the site with UP’s main line.

The US$25m project is financed by the port and the California Transportation Commission’s Trade Corridors Improvement Fund. It’s part of a US$100m port effort to significantly expand Oakland rail capacity.

A 2,255 m (7,400 ft) lead track and the reconfiguration of adjacent tracks should be completed in October. Once finished, the port will be better positioned to receive bulk rail shipments at the former army base from Union Pacific and BNSF railroads.