A proposed rail project in Long Beach, CA, is gaining the attention of residents there.

The project, known as the Southern California International Gateway, would build a “near-dock” rail terminal near the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The idea is that truck traffic would be diverted to the rail yard and that containers would be shipped in and out of the ports themselves by rail.

The 180-acre yard, which would be run by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, would be similar to an existing terminal already in operation by Union Pacific.

However, the Long Beach Press Telegram reported that local residents are less than thrilled with the plan, fearing that it might divert the trucks from the freeway into their neighborhood.

The Port of Los Angeles has said it plans to do an environmental impact report on the project, which must ultimately be approved by the Los Angeles Harbor Commission.

A final version of the report is expected by 2007. BNSF said it hopes to have the complex running by 2009, according to the Press Telegram.