Port of Lake Providence Rail Extension
Southeast Arkansas and Northeast Louisiana Multi-modal Freight Corridor Improvements Spurs Growth
The Port of Lake Providence Rail Extension project is part of a transformative multimodal freight corridor redevelopment effort spanning 91 miles of the Mississippi River between McGehee, Arkansas, and Tallulah, Louisiana. This project serves one of the most economically distressed regions in the United States, targeting infrastructure investments that will enhance freight mobility, preserve the regional rail system, and expand economic opportunities for local communities.
Client
Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District, Inc
Project Location
Lake Providence, Louisiana
Services
Program Management
Connectivity and Safety
Funded through an INFRA Grant, the initiative builds upon recent rail rehabilitation and long-standing public-private partnerships between local agencies, ports, railroads, and stakeholders. By improving rail connectivity and constructing new port infrastructure, the project reduces truck traffic on rural roadways, mitigates congestion and safety concerns, and provides shippers with direct access to domestic multimodal systems and global markets.
Upgrades & Expansion
As a sub-consultant to HDR, DE’s contributions focused on Segment C, which included 16.2 miles of rail infrastructure rehabilitation, 14 highway-rail grade crossing upgrades, and 6,600 feet of new track. A 2,100-foot rail extension to the Port of Lake Providence was designed to meet UPRR industry standards for 25 mph track speeds. DE also designed new tracks for Consolidated Grain & Barge and Stephan Industries, while providing QA/QC assistance with the LADOTD Plan review process.
