Port Authority breaks ground on Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility

February 27, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL - The Alabama Port Authority and CSX Railroad broke ground on the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF). Governor Kay Ivey (R) and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) joined business, economic development, and local leaders at the site for the groundbreaking of this state-of-the-art facility that will enhance freight mobility and stimulate economic growth throughout the region.

"Whether it's boosting freight transportation, fostering economic development, or connecting key industries in the state, the Port of Mobile – or as I like to call it, the 'Port of Alabama' – means big business," said Gov. Ivey. "With this expansion of the Port to a more central area of our state, we will strengthen Alabama's freight connectivity with a larger, less congested reach. I am proud to work with Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, the Port Authority, CSX, and other industry leaders to ensure our Alabama-made and Alabama-sourced goods have the opportunity to reach all 67 counties."

"As Alabama's economy continues to grow rapidly, state leaders must remain committed to finding innovative solutions aimed at efficiently moving goods from the point of production to the point of sale," said Speaker Ledbetter. "The Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility will serve as a significant asset for the River Region and the entire state. Between our interstates, highways, inland waterways, and ports, Alabama is utilizing every tool at its disposal to keep the wheels of commerce turning."

Economic developer Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth told the Alabama Gazette, "The new Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) will enhance freight mobility and drive economic growth across our region."

The facility is on a 272-acre site with direct access to Interstate 85 and Highway 80. It has frontage on Highway 31. The Montgomery ICTF will have a throughput capacity of 60,000 TEUs per year – that is effectively 30,000 shipping containers.

"By creating a direct rail connection between Montgomery and the Port of Mobile, the facility will streamline cargo transportation, reduce shipping costs, and improve supply chain efficiency," explained Dr. Jones - Wadsworth. "This Montgomery ICTF's presence will attract businesses, facilitate job creation, and strengthen Alabama's position as a key logistics and distribution center in the Southeast."

The project is funded through federal appropriations secured by former Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama).

John Driscoll is the Director and CEO of the Port of Mobile.

"The Montgomery ICTF is a game-changer for freight movement in Alabama and beyond," said Driscoll. "This facility will provide businesses with seamless access to global markets, driving economic growth and strengthening our state's supply chain infrastructure."

CSX is a key partner in the project. The railroad will serve the facility, ensuring efficient rail connectivity between the Port of Mobile and inland markets.

Christina Bottomley is the Vice President of Business Development & Real Estate at CSX.

"This project is a significant step forward in advancing Alabama's supply chain connectivity and economic growth," said Bottomley. "This inland port will transform how freight is moved across the state - shifting more goods from congested highways onto the sustainable, efficient rail network that CSX operates."

The facility will operate five days a week, offering express daily service from the Port in Mobile to Alabama's automotive and manufacturing hub in Montgomery. The facility will also relieve stress on the interstate system as the Port sees additional cargo volume following the deepening of Mobile Harbor – which is expected to be finished by the end of May.

Ellen McNair is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Connerce.

"By enhancing connectivity between the Port of Mobile and inland shippers, this logistics facility will open doors for job creation and new opportunities across multiple industries in Montgomery and beyond," said Secretary McNair. "This project really demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships and having spent much of my career at the Montgomery Chamber, I know that this facility will generate economic momentum in the region for years to come."

The Montgomery ICTF is expected to be operational by 2027.

Doug Singleton is the Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.

"Today's groundbreaking for the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility marks a historic step forward for our region's economy and infrastructure," said Singleton. "This facility will strengthen our supply chain, attract new business opportunities, and create jobs that will benefit Montgomery County for generations to come. We are proud to support this investment in our future, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community and beyond."

Anna Buckalew is the President & CEO of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

"With the rapid growth of our industrial sector, Montgomery is emerging as a premier logistics hub for the Southeast-centered around the transformative Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility," said Buckalew. "This investment is already fueling billions in economic development, strengthening our supply chains, and creating new opportunities for businesses to thrive. Strategic public-private partnerships like this are reshaping our region's future, making Montgomery a critical gateway for global commerce. The leadership of the Alabama Port Authority has been invaluable in this effort, and we are proud of our partnership with this engine driving growth across the state."

Brian Harold is the managing director of APM Terminals Mobile.

"Whether over water or rail, in partnership with the Port and the state of Alabama, our goal is to help our customers get their goods to market efficiently and cost-effectively," said Harold. "The Montgomery ICTF is a key component of our ability to serve businesses across the state and country and is something our customers should leverage as an extension of our waterfront operations in Mobile."

The Alabama Port Authority oversees the deep-water public port facilities at the Port of Mobile. In addition to the interstate system, the Port Authority's container, general cargo, and bulk facilities have immediate access to five Class I railroads, four short-line railroads, and nearly 15,000 miles of inland waterways. Once the channel deepening and widening project is completed in 2025, the Port of Mobile will be the deepest seaport on the Gulf Coast.

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