Construction crews are working on a project that will provide rail and truck connectivity between central Alabama and the Port of Mobile. The Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) will enhance freight mobility and is considered a critical gateway for global commerce.
Ragnar Benson photo
"This is one of the most exciting economic development projects under way in the state," said Alabama Port Authority interim director and CEO Doug Otto. "It represents a strategic investment in statewide logistics that will strengthen supply chains, attract new industry and create opportunity across the Southeast."
Since the project was announced three years ago, the area surrounding the facility has attracted more than $3 billion in economic development investments from private companies. The Montgomery ICTF will feature more than 25,000 ft. of track served by CSX Intermodal. It will have a throughput capacity of 60,000 TEUs per year, which is equivalent to 30,000 shipping containers.
The Alabama Port Authority, in partnership with CSX, broke ground on the $94 million project in February. When completed, it will operate five days a week, offering express daily service from the Port in Mobile to Alabama's automotive and manufacturing hub in Montgomery. It also will relieve stress on the interstate system, as the port sees additional cargo volume following the deepening of Mobile Harbor.
The Port Authority serves every county in the state and oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile. In addition to the interstate system, the Port Authority's container, general cargo and bulk facilities have immediate access to five Class I railroads, four short-line railroads and nearly 15,000 mi. of inland waterways.
According to Jeff Hanak, Ragnar Benson Construction project executive, the work is going well.
"The site grading is almost complete, and most of the storm water drainage pipe and structures have been installed," he said. "Lime stabilization of the site subgrade is under way, and pavement crews have been mobilized."
The project is located on a 272-acre site, with direct access to Interstate 85 and Highway 31.
"Most notably there was a historic horse racing track where one of Alabama's Kentucky Derby winners trained," said Hanak. "Other than that, it was mainly greenfield space with about 115 acres of clearing.
"The soils here are not the easiest to build on," he added. "The geotechnical engineer was wise to recommend lime stabilization, as it's definitely needed. It's easy to get stuck out here. Short of the native soils, the next challenge is maintaining production with an active mainline track."
The Port Authority is building a 3-mi. rail siding and bridge for CSX. Hanak said that constructing a quality terminal and rail siding that will positively impact the economic growth of Alabama is a team effort.
Ragnar Benson photo
"CSX has an active mainline that abuts the terminal and the location of the new three-mile siding. We have to coordinate to ensure safe work amidst active rail lines.
"Ragnar Benson has a lot of experience working with Class I railroads, so the challenge was anticipated. CSX has been great at ensuring we have flagging support, so our crews can continue to work, while also being safe."
Construction has involved the demolition of some pre-existing water and sanitary lines, as well as a small building. Currently, underground utilities are being installed, rebar is being tied for reinforced concrete pavement sections, grading and embankment is under way on the siding and siding bridge work has begun. Tasks remaining include asphalt paving, roller compacted concrete paving, pavement markings, high mast light pole erection and siding bridge construction.
In addition to installation and modification of multiple rail tracks and connections, the project calls for construction of operational control centers, offices and maintenance/repair buildings. Paving also is required.
"This project will receive roller compacted concrete, which is a unique pavement section many aren't acquainted with," said Hanak. "It's incredibly durable and strong, perfect for a container yard's use and is installed similarly to how asphalt is installed, only with concrete."
In late September, the Port Authority announced its contract with Konecranes for the delivery of two rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, which will serve as the backbone for container handling at the ICTF. The Konecranes RTGs will feature smart technologies to enhance safety, accuracy and yard efficiency, helping to streamline container transfers between rail and truck. Their delivery is scheduled for late 2026.
As for heavy machinery currently on the property, said Hanak, "We've done the site grading with tractor and pan scrapers, articulating dump trucks, bulldozers and excavators. We also have a Caterpillar 825 compactor on site, which you don't get to see every day."
Approximately 500,000 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved during construction. Materials used on the project include a significant amount of stone for the pavement subbase and sub ballast. Electrical duct bank, panels, transformers, high-mast light poles, watermain, hydrants, sanitary sewer and storm drainpipe are also needed to complete the project.
Ragnar Benson photo
Not surprisingly, Hanak said weather is an ongoing concern.
"Rain is not our friend. June was a tough month, with record high rainfall for our location. With the soils present on site, that was a significant challenge to maintain production. We now have the critical stormwater conveyance portions of the job installed, so when it does rain, we're not inhibited for long."
The Montgomery ICTF is expected to be operational in 2027. Despite the challenges, Hanak said he's proud of the work accomplished so far.
"The Ragnar Benson team on this project is top-notch, and the Port chose an exceptional construction manager in Volkert to represent them and oversee this project. Everyone works very well together, and you can see that on the site.
"Our subcontractors have proven to be great assets and have further contributed to the positive environment we have on this project," he added. "It means a lot to get to build something that will benefit the Port and CSX, as well as the state and greater region at the same time."
"It's been rewarding to see this project take shape through such a strong partnership between the Alabama Port Authority, Ragnar Benson Construction, CSX and our local partners," said Otto. "The teamwork and technical expertise on site are delivering a first-class facility that will serve as a model for how infrastructure projects should be built in Alabama." CEG
