By Mark Edward Nero
Two Port of Los Angeles projects have been named a “2014 Project of the Year” by the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association. The projects include the Berth 100 Wharf South Extension and Backland Development initiative and the port’s LA Waterfront Downtown Harbor Landside and Rail Improvement project.
Additionally, trade industry publication Engineering News-Record announced that the Port of LA has won an “Award of Merit” for its Downtown Harbor project. The project won in the Landscape/Urban Development category of ENR’s “Best Projects” award program.
“We’re honored to be recognized for these exceptional, innovative port improvement projects,” LA Harbor Commission President Ambassador Vilma Martinez said.
The port’s Downtown Harbor Plaza and Town Square, which was unveiled in June 2014, is located on 1.2 acres between the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and Fire Station 112. Previously a parking lot, the space was transformed into a new harbor inlet for recreational vessels.
The Berth 100 Wharf South Extension and Backland development project included construction of a 325-foot reinforced concrete wharf and 14 acres of pavement backland. The port’s existing shoreside power system, which allows ships to plug into clean power while at berth, was expanded to the site to allow for an additional berthed vessel to connect to shoreside electrical power.
The Southern California Chapter of APWA presented the awards during the organization’s 15th Annual Public Works Awards Luncheon on Dec. 11.
Engineering News-Record, a weekly news magazine and website providing news and features about projects, products and people in the construction industry, presented its “Best Project” awards to winning teams in Southern California on Dec. 4 in Long Beach. The awards honor the most outstanding design and construction efforts throughout the US.