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Port of Portland Makes Road and Rail Improvements by Kristian Foden-Vencil Oregon Public Broadcasting, January 31, 2011

The Port of Portland will showcase three new road and rail projects Monday that promise to move freight faster and more efficiently through the area.

The three projects were financed with $50 million from the port, the railway companies, the City of Portland and both state and federal stimulus funds.

New lines have been added to the Ramsey Rail Yard; a new bridge now takes traffic on North Leadbetter Road over rail tracks; and North Lombard Street has been widened to ease congestion.

Port spokesman Josh Thomas says the projects grease the wheels of Portland's largest industrial park.

Josh Thomas: "All of those were aimed at improving velocity, being able to move freight fast, of access and also for safety."

A fourth project -- to expand the South Rivergate Rail Yard -- is now starting. Thomas says 2010 was a rebound year for the Port -- it moved the third highest amount of freight on record.