January 12, 2026
Terminal Island Wye Track Realignment Named NRC Small Construction Project of the Year
Port of Long Beach project at Pier S and Pier T recognized for excellence, led by Herzog Contracting and Stacy Witbeck Joint Venture
The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has named Terminal Island Wye Track Realignment at Pier S and Pier T at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) its Small Project of the Year (projects less than $25 million).
“What made this effort cool was the level of collaboration required to modernize critical rail infrastructure without slowing port operations. The result is an investment that strengthens durability, improves reliability, and ensures the Port’s rail network is built to perform for decades to come.”
Kyle Sills, Regional Manager—Southern California
The joint venture delivered this 18-month, $19.7million intermodal railyard expansion project ahead of schedule and without a safety incident. The project addressed the Port’s strategic goals to reduce truck congestion, speed up cargo shipped by on-dock rail, and minimize constraints that hamper cargo volumes.
The team self-performed the track realignment and built 4,000 feet of siding track to connect two ends of the terminal facility by rail. Crews performed work adjacent to active freight railroad operations, including:
- Construction of 10,645 feet of new ballasted track and installed eight turnouts and three crossovers
- Delivery and installation of 17,657 tons of ballast
- Removed 360,000 gallons of liquid waste
- Modifications to railway signal systems
The active port environment presented a significant challenge to the project team. Crews performed work adjacent to active BNSF, Union Pacific, and Pacific Harbor Line freight trains in a port facility that continued operating 24 hours a day during construction.
The project team logged 43,650 self-perform manhours without a safety incident, an exemplary record at a 24-hour port facility that remained active throughout 18 months of construction.
“The project was a complete success and that HSW was a great partner on this critical project and managed the project with flexibility, expertise, and professionalism. HSW’s knowledgeable and professional staff were fair, reasonable and transparent in negotiating changes to the work, and also able to work with the stakeholders to satisfy acceptable work windows and adjust their resources to complete the work.”
David Tran, POLB Senior Construction Manager