The Port of West Sacramento has opened a new rail track extension that links the Port Main Terminal with the Cemex cement and aggregate facility near the Port. The 5,000 foot track segment is also capable of serving other rail customers.
Pictured left to right, West Sacramento City Councilmember Mark Johannessen, Mayor Pro Tem Oscar Villegas, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director (and program MC) Denice Seals, SACOG Executive Director Mike McKeever, Port Chair and Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, City Manager Toby Ross, and Port Director Mike Luken. (Photo: Dan Harris)
Built through a public-private partnership between the City of West Sacramento, Cemex and Sierra Northern Railroad at a cost of $2 million, the extension will allow easier transport of material, create new jobs and provide the Port a revenue source from additional railcar movement. Rail service is provided to the Cemex facility by Sierra Northern.
“This is an important project for the Port as it will allow multiple rail providers to serve Port users in a competitive environment and help ensure that the Cemex facility can operate at full capacity,” said Mike McGowan, chair of the Sacramento-Yolo Port Commission.
Until now, the Port’s Cemex facility, first constructed in 2008, was not served by rail. Construction of the rail segment began in June of 2011. The completed extension allows Cemex to handle up to 2 million tons of cement annually with easier distribution of material.
MAYOR THANKS RAIL LINK PROJECT PARTNERS – West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon (pictured) said the Port’s ability to link businesses to its new rail segment increases the Port’s economic impact in the region. He also saluted the City’s other project partners, Sierra Northern Railroad and Cemex Cement.
“With more goods moving by rail, this reduces the number of trucks making trips
in the city and helps improve air quality,” said West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon. “It makes the Port a more attractive goods movement hub and helps create more jobs.”
