Fourth Track at Ocean Blvd, Lessons Learned and Staying on Track for POLB’s Rail Expansion

Abstract: The Port of Long Beach (POLB) is experiencing cargo growth, and projections indicate it will continue to grow for years to come. Maximizing the number of containers moved via on-dock rail is desired for cargo velocity, and is one of the key strategies of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, California Sustainable Freight Action Plan, and California Freight Mobility Plan.
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Rail Study (Dec 2020), provided an update on the rail network improvements that are expected to be needed over the next 25 years. With projections indicating that rail demand will likely double between 2018 and 2025 and a need to improve connectivity to the Port’s forthcoming Pier B Rail Yard expansion, the rail study identified a set of rail infrastructure improvements needed in the corridor along the I-710 north and south of the Ocean Boulevard.
The Fourth Track at Ocean Blvd Project (Project) was identified as one of the recommended projects to accommodate future projections and is a steppingstone in helping achieve the POLB’s goal of boosting on-dock rail utilization to 35%, and achieving the POLB’s larger goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from port-related sources. This section of rail had been limited by physical constraints, where four tracks reduced to three at the Ocean Blvd overcrossing. Adding a fourth track would greatly improve rail movement efficiency of this vital rail corridor serving the terminals in the Middle Harbor portion of the port complex. The Project is located on the east side of the Port of Long Beach between Pico Ave and SR-710, at the rail transportation neck of Piers E, F, G, and J and improves the connection for expanding needs in the Middle Harbor with an improved connection to the expanded Pier B Rail Yard.
This paper will detail lessons learned during the design process and construction phase from the blended team of in-house designers and external consultants that collaborated to successfully deliver this challenging and important project.
Some of the primary topics that will be presented include:
• Steps and design approach taken during design to perform improvements in an area with extensive underground utilities that included oil and gas pipelines (including active, abandoned and ones of unknown status), electric duct banks, communication conduits, water lines, storm drains, sanitary sewer lines and more.
• Coordinating the new design around recently constructed projects and future projects that interface with the Fourth Track Project.
• Design approach and challenges associated with the rail track and roadway realignments with significant physical constraints to make room for the added track and the required stormwater treatment system.
• Innovative design solutions such as Contech Engineered Solution’s Jellyfish Filter stormwater treatment device.
• Strategies to maintain staff continuity with constrained technical resources.
• Navigating Caltrans permitting when portions of the work encroached on its right of way and aerial boundaries.
• Responding to unforeseen obstructions despite extensive field investigations during design.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: This paper will inform readers of a successful approach with a blended design team of in-house agency designers with external consultants to deliver a complex brownfield improvement project. Therefore, this paper will help engineers, planners, operators, and owners in exploring options to build a collaborative, high-functioning team for success.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: The project utilized Bentley ProjectWise Explorer to provide a collaborative working environment in terms of file sharing and CADD development among the design team.
The project utilized a custom Stormwater Treatment Jellyfish Filter made by Contech Engineering Solutions. It was uniquely sized to fit the constraints in the field. This product removes a wide variety of stormwater pollutants in order to meet the Port’s Stormwater Design requirements.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The most challenging aspect of the project was navigating the maze of existing underground utilities and existing physical constraints. The project team navigated this challenge by conducting extensive utility research and field investigations, developing a functional, cost-effective design that balances operational needs and existing site conditions. Another challenge for the project was to develop strategies to maintain staff continuity with constrained technical resources. The Port and the consultant team adapted to the changing environment and collaborated effectively to successfully deliver this critical project.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The paper target audience of this paper are Port owners, rail operators, and design professionals who can draw upon the practical strategies and the lessons learned from this project to help bring success to their projects within similar contexts.