KEY POINTS
-
The Port of Moses Lake in Washington state is moving forward with hiring a construction manager for its rail project, with proposals expected by April.
-
The rail line will connect the Wheeler Industrial Corridor, Grant County International Airport (GCIA), and 1,250 acres of industrial land.
-
The project is designed to attract industries, support businesses, and improve shipping operations in Central Washington.
According to a March 10, 2026, report from the Columbia Basin Herald, the Port of Moses Lake is moving closer to construction of its decades-long rail project by beginning the process of hiring a construction manager. A request for proposals (RFP) is set to be issued later this month, with a selection expected in April.
The Washington state project involves developing a rail line extending from Wheeler Road Northeast near Road L Northeast to the port, connecting with existing rail infrastructure north of Moses Lake.
The rail line will provide a vital link between the Grant County International Airport (GCIA), the Wheeler Industrial Corridor, and over 1,250 acres of industrial land in the GCIA Employment Center.
The project is divided into segments according to the Port of Moses Lake:
Segment 1: A five-mile-long new rail line serving over 1,000 acres of industrial-zoned land in the Wheeler Industrial Corridor. It includes four at-grade crossings and reroutes trains out of downtown Moses Lake.
Segment 3: A three-mile-long existing rail line, donated by Columbia Basin Railroad, that will be rehabilitated to connect Segment 1 with future rail near the GCIA.
An illustrative map of the Northern Columbia Basin Rail Project in Moses Lake, WA. Image: Port of Moses Lake
Much of the design and engineering work for the project has already been completed, but inflation has increased costs, requiring additional funding solutions. The federal grant supporting the project includes a strict timeline for completion, adding urgency to the construction phase.
Once completed, the rail line is expected to enhance transportation options for businesses and agricultural producers in Central Washington. It is also anticipated to attract new industries, support existing businesses, and improve operations to Pacific Northwest ports and the Midwest.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with ConstructConnect News for construction industry news and construction market analysis to stay ahead of what’s building next.
About ConstructConnect
At ConstructConnect, our software solutions provide the information construction professionals need to start every project on a solid foundation. For more than 100 years, our insights and market intelligence have empowered commercial firms, manufacturers, trade contractors, and architects to make data-driven decisions and maximize productivity.
ConstructConnect is a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), part of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000.
For more information, visit constructconnect.com
