US-based freight transportation company BNSF Railway has received approval from the Barstow City Council for its planned Barstow International Gateway, a 4,500-acre rail facility to be developed on the city’s west side.
The decision marks a significant stage in what BNSF describes as one of California’s largest freight infrastructure projects.
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The Barstow International Gateway (BIG) will feature a rail yard, intermodal facility and transload warehouses.
These are intended to support the transfer of freight from international containers arriving at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to domestic containers.
Containers will be transported directly via the Alameda Corridor to the BNSF mainline, with processing taking place at the Barstow facility using zero-emission cargo-handling equipment, according to company statements.
BNSF president and CEO Katie Farmer said: “BIG is a transformative, next-generation rail facility that will deliver meaningful benefits for our customers. By creating a more resilient, efficient and low-carbon freight system, we’re giving shippers faster, more reliable inland access and greater network fluidity.
“This $4bn private investment strengthens the entire supply chain, reduces congestion at the ports and gives our customers a seamless product that also offers our customers greater optionality and flexibility.”
The company reports that westbound freight will also be consolidated at the site, which it says should boost the efficiency of trains returning to ports and other terminals in California.
BNSF expects the shift from road transport to rail will result in the elimination of approximately 205 million truck miles travelled in 2028, 269 million in 2033 and 312 million in 2048.
Employment impacts are projected to include 62,000 construction-related jobs and 15,000 long-term operational jobs, with an estimated 5,400 direct jobs and $938m in earnings in Barstow over the facility’s first 20 years. The total economic output is forecast at $2.9bn in that period.
The project will include infrastructure improvements such as upgraded flood channels, a replacement bridge over the Mojave River at Hinkley Road, and enhanced road circulation to improve safety and emergency access.
BNSF has committed to using zero-emission equipment, including gantry cranes, forklifts and hostlers.
An agreement with the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District focuses on demonstrating battery electric switcher locomotives, and a separate agreement with the California Air Resources Board aims to explore further emissions reduction technologies.
BNSF has also agreed to replace existing locomotives with Tier 4 switcher locomotives at the Barstow site.
The Barstow International Gateway was recently certified under California’s SB 149 legislation, which is intended to accelerate critical infrastructure projects.
BIG is the first transportation-related scheme to be awarded certification under this law. The 2024 State Rail Plan noted its design as the first project of its type to be developed by a Class I railroad.
Barstow Mayor Timothy R Silva said: “The Barstow International Gateway project epitomises our commitment to a bright future for the city, and we’re proud to partner with BNSF Railway to bring thousands of jobs, billions in economic output and major infrastructure improvements to Barstow.”
