Alabama Port Authority Breaks Ground on Montgomery Intermodal Facility
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — The Alabama Port Authority broke ground Thursday on the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, a state-of-the-art hub designed to move large cargo containers to and from the Port of Mobile.
State and local leaders say the facility will strengthen Montgomery’s position as a key logistics center by providing seamless rail and truck connectivity between central Alabama and the Port of Mobile. Officials expect the project to stimulate economic growth throughout the region.
The 272-acre site, which has direct access to Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 31, will have the capacity to handle about 30,000 shipping containers annually. The facility will allow more freight to be transported by CSX Railway rather than by 18-wheeler trucks, helping to reduce traffic congestion on Alabama highways and interstates.
Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted the efficiency of Mobile’s port operations compared to other parts of the country.
“In places like California, it can take up to two or three hours to move a container, but not here in Mobile,” Ivey said. “The average is 45 minutes or less. It’s no wonder more and more businesses are choosing to ship their goods in and out of Mobile, and having a transfer facility here will only further that goal.”
John Driscoll, director and CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority, said the facility will serve as an extension of the Port of Mobile.
“There’s only so much waterfront property available, so the idea is that inbound containers come off the ships, are put on rail that same day or night, and make a 10-hour transit to Montgomery,” Driscoll said. “This will basically be an extension of that port facility for delivery to our customers.”
Christina Bottomly, CSX vice president of business development, emphasized the impact on freight movement.
“I’m very excited to see how we change how freight moves across Alabama,” Bottomly said. “We’re taking trucks off the highway and shifting cargo to our efficient rail network, and I’m really, very, very proud that CSX gets to serve this.”
The area surrounding the facility has already attracted more than $3 billion in economic development investments from private companies.
The Montgomery ICTF is expected to be operational by 2027 and will operate five days a week. The project is funded through federal appropriations secured by former Sen. Richard Shelby.
