BNSF Railway will build a 4,321 acre logistics hub near Phoenix, Arizona to improve transportation, storage, and distribution of goods. This will support regional economic growth and sustainability.
Credit: BNSF Railroad
BNSF Rail revealed plans to build a new regional rail serviced facility in northwest Maricopa County near Phoenix, Arizona. The development aims to create a master-planned logistic hub that will support the transportation, distribution and storage of goods and materials in the Phoenix metropolitan region and the wider southwest region. The facility will be designed to meet the changing needs of BNSF customers, with a focus both on efficiency and sustainability.
The proposed development is composed of three interconnected components.
- This area, which covers 1,770 acres, will serve as a hub for rail shipments utilizing standardised containers and trailers.
- This section of the park will be home to advanced warehouses and distribution facilities.
- This part, which covers 1,131 acres of land, will support local industries by providing direct rail-served sites.
The facility is designed to integrate into the existing rail network in order to optimise supply chain operations and facilitate the efficient movement by rail of goods and materials. This integration will reduce environmental impacts, and support current and future regional development. The project will create significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth by allowing businesses to co-locate.
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Jon Gabriel, BNSF Vice President of Service Design said: “As BNSF, and the customers we service, adapt to changing marketplace needs, evolving supplies chains, and significant technical advancements, we identified a requirement for additional rail capacity in Phoenix’s metro area. Arizona is a key region for expanding and advancing our intermodal network. This is a commitment and investment for our customers and consumers throughout Arizona and beyond.”
The facility will reduce trucking distances in the region. This will lead to reduced air emissions, lower highway maintenance costs, and improved safety.
BNSF, in recognition of the regional importance of the project, plans to work closely with Maricopa County and other neighbouring municipalities, as well as regional stakeholders, to ensure a successful implementation.