QUINCY — The Port of Quincy has announced that it plans to expand its shipping hub in Quincy, known as the intermodal terminal. The Port made the announcement in a press release on Monday.

The expansion will be completed in two phases. Phase One will add more gravel surfaces on the north and east sides of the facility, which will improve the container storage area and add an additional 90,000 square feet. The purpose is “to accommodate the increasing growth in ocean container freight (including frozen and dry agricultural products from central/eastern Washington) going by truck from the Port of Quincy to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma,” according to the press release.

“The total estimated project cost of Phase One is approximately $300,000,” the press release stated. “The Port of Quincy will provide the funding to complete Phase One. The Port anticipates completing the design before the end of 2019 and then completing Phase One of the Intermodal Terminal expansion in early 2020.”

Phase Two will bring lighting and electrical improvements. Three reefer power units will be installed, allowing for 30 additional refrigerator containers at the terminal. Three new yard lights will also be added.

“The total estimated project cost of Phase Two will be approximately $400,000,” the press release said. “The Port of Quincy will be requesting assistance in the form of a federal and/or state legislative appropriation(s) or grant(s) to complete Phase Two.”

The intermodal terminal in Quincy is described as “a modern and fully functional inland intermodal port facility located on the BNSF mainline (i.e. Stevens Pass line), and is currently providing truck intermodal export services for shippers and exporters in Washington state.” The terminal provides loading and storage services for 40-foot-long containers containing frozen food being trucked from Central Washington to ports in Seattle and Tacoma.

“The number of containers being stored and loaded at the terminal has increased dramatically in the past three years,” the press release stated. “Additionally, the Intermodal Terminal has over 8,000 feet of rail storage/siding tracks and could accommodate loading westbound short-haul intermodal trains with 20-foot or 40-foot containers of dry and/or perishable Washington state agricultural products.”