By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of San Diego announced May 31 that its engineering department won the San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s 2016 “Project of the Year” award for its emergency wharf repair on the North Embarcadero.
The repairs were necessary after an excursion vessel crashed into the seawall at one of the busiest areas on the San Diego Bay waterfront in March 2016.
The project to rebuild the area was completed 60 days after the accident and restored a highly used walkway, and the appearance of the historic structure. Everything was accomplished with minimal downtime for lessees and without environmental incidents.
“This one-of-a-kind project is an exemplary public works activity that brought out the best from the Port, our engineers, and the contractor,” said Ernesto Medina, chief of engineering for the Port of San Diego. “Located at the front doorstep of San Diego, the project required speedy execution to provide a safe walkway for the public and restore business for our tenants who operate right there on the waterfront.”
Built in 1928 as part of the historic Navy Pier, the structure is located at the intersection of the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Bay harbor cruise facilities, and Harbor Drive.
The honor, acknowledged at the local APWA’s annual awards luncheon May 11, was one of five awards earned by the engineering team.
The emergency wharf repair project and other “Project of the Year” award winners from other chapters will be eligible for an “Outstanding Project of the Year” award that will be announced at the APWA’s fall dinner.
“The Port’s engineering team deserves this recognition from the local APWA chapter,” said Port Chairman Robert “Dukie” Valderrama. “The great work they do at our various facilities, parks, and more benefits the public, our tenants, and our Port.”
