Port of Long Beach, California, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Jacobs has been awarded the program-level construction management role for the Pier B On‑Dock Rail Support Facility at the Port of Long Beach. The Pier B program will expand the rail yard from 82 to 171 acres, more than tripling on‑dock rail capacity to support up to 4.7 million TEUs annually. The contract will coordinate ten construction packages covering wharf work, backland development and an administration building, with centralized environmental compliance and weekly coordination to limit disruption at the active port. The program is expected to create over 1,000 local construction jobs and improve cargo flow while reducing truck trips and emissions.
Jacobs Wins Construction Management Role for Port of Long Beach Pier B On‑Dock Rail Expansion
The Port of Long Beach in California has tapped Jacobs, a Dallas‑based contractor, to provide umbrella program‑level construction management for the Pier B On‑Dock Rail Support Facility program, a centerpiece of the port’s broader 2.2‑billion‑dollar capital program. The award was announced on August 7, signaling a major step in expanding the port’s ability to move cargo more efficiently while aiming to reduce environmental and community impacts.
What is being built and why it matters
The Pier B On‑Dock Rail Support Facility will transform the port’s rail yard by expanding it from 82 acres to 171 acres, effectively doubling the yard size and enabling a more than tripled capacity for on‑dock rail operations. The project is designed to support handling up to 4.7 million TEUs annually, a significant jump that is expected to streamline cargo flow through marine terminals and cut down on long truck trips. In line with the port’s environmental goals, the expansion is forecast to contribute to lower emissions and improved air quality in surrounding communities.
Scope, contracts, and expected outcomes
Jacobs will oversee a multi‑contract environment, coordinating ten construction contracts under the Pier B program. The overall program is described as a cornerstone of the port’s capital efforts, intended to boost cargo movement efficiency, enable more cargo to pass through with less disruption to neighborhoods, and support the regional economy. The project aligns with the Port’s identity as a major gateway for trans‑Pacific trade and with ongoing environmental initiatives that earn the port its nickname, “The Green Port.”
Timeline and job impact
Jacobs projects completion of the Pier B expansion in 2032, marking a long‑term effort across multiple construction phases. In addition to efficiency gains, the project is expected to create more than 1,000 local jobs, delivering tangible benefits to the surrounding community as it advances the port’s supply chain and logistics capabilities. The program is also positioned to bring broader benefits to health and environmental initiatives in the area, reinforcing the port’s environmental leadership in the region.
Management approach and delivery
Under the PlSCM framework described by Jacobs, the company integrates planning, procurement and delivery with the Port’s internal construction team. Weekly coordination meetings help align upcoming activities and equipment deliveries, ensuring minimal disruption to active port operations. The PLSCM approach covers a range of project types, including wharf construction, backland development, and the administration building, with an emphasis on smoother transitions from construction to operational startup and reduced downtime across projects.
Environmental oversight and sustainability
The port describes the Pier B program as a project that reduces community impact while encouraging greater cargo throughput. Jacobs highlights its commitment to environmental stewardship, noting that an environmental oversight manager ensures strict adherence to EIR requirements without delaying milestones. The program includes sustainability measures such as integrating ship‑to‑shore cranes and repurposing surplus materials where feasible, with a focus on minimizing the environmental footprint of expanded port operations.
Context within Jacobs’ portfolio and Port of Long Beach history
Jacobs points to its broader port and maritime expertise, describing a blend of global insights and local execution to tackle complex interfaces across planning, procurement and delivery. The firm notes past engagements at the Port of Long Beach, including work on Fireboat Station 20, as well as waterfront infrastructure projects at other ports. The Pier B expansion sits among a suite of improvements aimed at accelerating cargo movement while supporting regional economic activity and environmental resilience.
Community and economic benefits in focus
Beyond the technical scope, the Pier B program is framed as a driver of regional economic development and a contributor to air quality improvements and public health. The port emphasizes that the expansion’s effects extend beyond shipping lanes, touching local jobs, environmental initiatives and community well‑being as the supply chain grows more robust and efficient.
Additional context on Jacobs and the port
The project underscores Jacobs’ ongoing role in large‑scale infrastructure work in the sector, with a portfolio that spans water, rail and port facilities, among other critical systems. The company’s emphasis on digital transformation and risk management for cyber and operational continuity is positioned as part of its method for delivering complex mega and giga projects with fewer delays and stronger environmental protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Pier B On‑Dock Rail Support Facility program?
- The Pier B program is a rail yard expansion at the Port of Long Beach designed to double the yard size and enable a much higher capacity for on‑dock rail, forming a central part of the port’s $2.2 billion capital plan.
- Who is leading the construction management for the Pier B project?
- Jacobs, a Dallas‑based contractor, will provide umbrella program‑level construction management to coordinate ten contracts and align with the port’s internal team.
- When is the project expected to be completed?
- The Pier B expansion is slated for completion in 2032, reflecting a multi‑year build‑out across several contracts.
- What are the expected environmental and community benefits?
- The project aims to reduce truck traffic, lower emissions, improve air quality, and create local jobs, contributing to healthier surroundings and regional economic gains.
- How many contracts are involved in Pier B?
- Ten construction contracts are involved under the Pier B program, managed through the PLSCM framework.
- What other benefits does Pier B offer?
- In addition to boosting cargo movement efficiency, the program is described as state‑of‑the‑art, with environmental safeguards and material reuse as part of sustainability efforts.
- Does Jacobs have prior experience at the Port of Long Beach?
- Yes. Jacobs has previously worked on projects at the port, including Fireboat Station 20, and has delivered other waterfront infrastructure projects.
Key features of the Pier B On‑Dock Rail Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, California |
| Contractor | Jacobs (Dallas‑based) |
| Program cost | Part of a $2.2 billion Port capital program; Pier B is a cornerstone |
| Yard expansion | 82 acres to 171 acres (doubling yard size) |
| Rail capacity impact | More than triple the port’s on‑dock rail capacity |
| Annual TEU capacity | Up to 4.7 million TEUs (20‑foot containers) |
| Timeline | Expected completion in 2032 |
| Job impact | More than 1,000 local jobs supported |
| Environmental goal | Lower emissions and improved air quality; part of The Green Port initiatives |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Construction Dive: Jacobs named construction manager for Port of Long Beach Pier B rail expansion
- Wikipedia: Port of Long Beach
- Jacobs: Redefining port — Long Beach project page
- Google Search: Pier B On‑Dock Rail Support Facility Port of Long Beach
- Railway Age: Jacobs tapped to support Port of Long Beach’s Pier B on‑dock rail support facility
- Google Scholar: Port of Long Beach rail expansion
- Jacobs Newsroom: Forging a safer future — state‑of‑the‑art fireboat station, Port of Long Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Port of Long Beach
- Press‑Telegram: The synergy of the conductor-less chamber orchestra — Kontrapunktus returns to Long Beach
- Google News: Pier B On‑Dock Rail Support Facility
