LA port approves US$127 million for TraPac's terminal development

THE Los Angeles Board of Harbour Commissioners has approved construction contracts totalling US$127 million for two major projects that will advance modernisation of the marine container terminal operated by long-time tenant, TraPac, Inc.

With work due to begin in January, the projects are key elements of the port's overall capital improvement programme. The port is investing $1.2 billion over five years to remain competitive in the global economy.

"Redevelopment of the TraPac terminal reflects the port's larger commitment to retaining its global position as America's premier seaport," said Port of Los Angeles executive director Geraldine Knatz. "It also reflects our commitment to job creation and sustainable growth as the pathway to long-term prosperity."

Both contracts were awarded to California construction firms. Combined, the projects will support 1,000 one-year equivalent construction jobs over the next two and half years in the greater Los Angeles five-county region.

The first contract is a $71.5 million project for new buildings and state-of-the-art truck entrance and exit gates at TraPac's rear Berths 136-139. The work includes a new administration building designed to meet the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard. A new yard operations building, truck scales and a pedestrian bridge, a statement from port authorities said.

The facilities project also involves includes backland and other infrastructure improvements at Berths 145-147, and work is due to be completed in the summer of 2015.

The second contract is a $55.7 million grade separation project for South Wilmington that involves building an elevated 4,100-foot roadway that links Harry Bridges Boulevard, Pier A Street and Fries Avenue to TraPac's new entrance and separates truck from rail operations for safer and more efficient flow of traffic.

Both projects are part of a $365 million expansion of the TraPac terminal due to be completed in 2016.