Port Alton 

Port Alton Container Port

The development of a dedicated container port along the Mississippi River in Alton, IL is expected to be a critical component of a larger "inland marine highway" concept aimed at moving containerized freight between the Midwest and major international ports in New Orleans. This is a concept that has been gaining traction in the logistics industry, with specific plans and feasibility studies underway for the Alton Container Port with direct connections to Elwood Logistics.

Located just north of downtown St. Louis, this port will provide multimodal logistics connectivity for the area, not just a simple loading and unloading facility. Connecting New Orleans with the St. Louis region and the Chicago area via direct rail link to the Elwood Logistics Airport, Alton Port links the Mississippi River, major rail lines, and interstate highways. Strategically located on a 38-acre parcel of land just downstream of the Melvin Price Lock & Dam being the northernmost point on the Mississippi River capable of handling a new generation of high-speed, low-wake container vessels specifically designed for river navigation.

Port Elements:

1. • The port would feature a specialized dock with two (2) container gantry cranes, to quickly and efficiently transfer containers between vessels and the terminal yard.

   • The port's riverside quay layout can facilitate new river container vessels as well as traditional barges.

   • The container port will have a storage yard capable of holding up to 3500 containers stacked 3-high.

   • Shared chassis pool for all partner operations. 

   • Five (5) Entry and Exit gates for quick turnarounds when picking up or dropping off containers by truck.  

Advanced Technology and Automation:

1. • The terminal will operate using advanced interoperable port management software to optimize vessel scheduling, manage yard operations and track containers and integrate logistics data between all partners.

   • Automated container handling equipment may be used to speed up operations and improve safety. At present, alternatives are under investigation.

Robust Intermodal Connections

1. • Direct Rail Access: The port would have a direct, high-capacity rail connection to major Class I railroads (e.g., Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern) which allows for the seamless movement of containers to and from the Elwood Logistics Airport.

   • Highway Access: Excellent access to major interstate highways, such as I-270 and I-55, would be crucial for the efficient "first-mile/last-mile" trucking of containers to local manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution centers.