The Ninth Street railroad crossing near Pico Avenue in the harbor district in West Long Beach will be closed as of March 9, 2019, in a move that will immediately improve rail operations and increase the speed of moving goods through the Port.
As an operational closure, the Port will allow certain oversize trucks with special permits to traverse the crossing at appointed times. Port, commuter, and local traffic will be able to use other routes around the closed section of Ninth Street, including most oversize and overweight cargo as well. Most vehicles will use the 710 Freeway to bypass 9th Street. Click here for a map of alternate routes.
The closure is needed to enhance railroad operations at the Port of Long Beach, allowing marine terminals to move more cargo by “on-dock rail” instead of by truck, improving efficiency in the Port and air quality in the region. The closure will allow for up to three additional on-dock trains to leave the Port each week, and each on-dock train takes the place of up to 750 truck trips. Also, trains leaving the Port will actually reach their destinations up to a day earlier, thanks to the reduction in waiting time.
Closing the Ninth Street at-grade rail crossing will also improve traffic safety and flow at the nearby busy intersection of Pico Avenue, Pier B Street and the on- and off-ramps to and from the 710 Freeway.
The Harbor Department is coordinating closely with Police, Fire and Public Works departments to ensure safety.
