The Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) recently approved a contract that will move Hampton Boulevard under the rail line that now crosses it.  The $20 million contract is small relative to some others in the state, but is one that the Port Authority has been pushing for for over 15 years.  

Once completed, the improved traffic pattern will allow the port to build longer trains carrying imported cargo containers without disrupting traffic on Hampton Blvd.  The port estimates that this could allow them to utilize rail for an additional 20% of the product that comes through the port.  Currently, that 20% leaves the port via truck and contributes to pollution, congestion and disgruntled neighbors.  The more product that can leave via rail, the better for Hampton Roads.

Now that Hampton Boulevard is being addressed, the State is considering an additional $17.8 million investment to double the on-dock rail capacity at Norfolk International Terminals.  These are all great projects for the port and will further enhance its competitive position over other East Coast ports.