Adam RollinsAmerica’s Central Port District (ACPD) in Illinois has released its latest plan outlining critical capital projects and facilitating a $355.6 million investment in infrastructure development, improvements and renovations. The district recently announced an open house for public review of the 2050 Master Plan slated for July 17.
The plan builds off its previous iteration, adapting the port’s comprehensive strategy to reflect modern development needs, trends and goals. Investments featured in the master plan align with the port sector’s changing needs while emphasizing long-term durability, according to ACPD. To stay current with modern trends, all projects are suited to four key themes:
- Adaptable.
- Resilient.
- Modern.
- Mission-oriented.
The master plan contains 60 projects that are among the highest priorities to support facility, rail, road and port operations.
The $22.5 million Harbor Interconnect Track Development project is the largest included in the plan, designed to provide critical access between the river and the extensive rail network. The project will build an interconnection track between the Granite City Harbor rail track to the Madison Harbor rail track. A “Y” interchange will be built on port property, enabling trains to turn around. In addition, the port will build a levee closure structure, including a temporary levee and access road to facilitate work on the permanent facilities.
The port will invest $20 million to reduce sediment in Madison Harbor. Since the port’s Madison Harbor opened in 2016, operations and infrastructure have been hampered by high water events occurring in greater frequency. The project will address overflow issues by adjusting the L-Dike elevation adjacent to the harbor. Removing sediment will ideally reduce the flooding frequency and need for continual dredging to secure effective operations and safety.
Another $20 million will be applied toward developing a new warehouse on Old Rock Road. The warehouse will be built on a 16-acre site with excellent access to the river, roadways and future rail expansion. The warehouse would likely cover more than 100,000 square feet and strategically protected by a 500-year flood levee. The port will spend an additional $20 million into a separate regional industrial warehouse project. Plans include building the structure on a 280-acre plot of land in prime location near Interstate 270 and necessary utilities.
The planning process to expand the port’s available number of terminals is currently in the works. ACPD will build a $15 million Granite City Harbor marina and cruise terminal on the Mississippi River. The project will include building a harbor north of Granite City Harbor to provide additional space for river cruise ships, a marina and other recreational uses. Plans include installing a large, elevated platform at levee height for parking and access.
Photo by Tom Fisk from Pexels
