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Two Bid Packages Awarded to “The Port of Wilmington’s dedicated auto berth project is moving forward with the award of the first two construction contracts to Kuhn Construction, Inc. of Hockessin”, announced Mike Sprague, Director of Planning and Development at the Port of Wilmington. The contracts include the construction of the berth structure, and the 900-foot berth trestle. Kuhn Construction, Inc. of Wilmington has undertaken various construction projects for the State of Delaware and the Port of Wilmington, including the construction of Berth Seven at the Port of Wilmington nearly seven years ago. |
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According to the design, the new auto berth will be constructed approximately 900 feet off shore in the Delaware River near the northern Port boundary and parallel to the north-south shoreline. It will be approximately 870 feet long, about 115 feet wide and supported on piles. A dedicated causeway and access roadway will connect the |
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berth to a 10-acre vehicle staging area and to the existing import/export auto terminal and processing facilities. Nearly 500 piles will be placed to support the berth and the trestle. Kuhn Construction will begin driving of test piles for the berth in the next few days, and production driving of piles for the trestle will commence in April 2001.
Remaining work for the berth will be accomplished through the advertising of four additional bid packages including the access road and staging area, fire protection, plumbing, and electrical. Bids are expected by mid April. Port officials expect to award all remaining contracts by May 2001.
The design criteria for the marine structures (berth and connecting trestle), the access roadway and the staging area have been completed by Moffatt & Nichol Engineers of Baltimore, MD. All permit applications were submitted in November 2000, and approval is expected by the end of March 2001. The Construction Manager, Nason Construction, Inc., of Wilmington, will coordinate and manage all on-site construction for the project under the direction of Mr. Mike Sprague, Director of Planning and Development.
The completion of the auto berth project remains scheduled for late summer, 2002. Port officials are confident that the dedicated auto carrier berth, in conjunction with the excellent service the Port provides, will help retain existing auto business as well as increase future auto & Ro/Ro trade through the Port of Wilmington. For more information on this project, please visit www.MultiBerth.com web site. Founded
in 1923, the Port of Wilmington is an important asset for
the local and regional economy, generating more than 5,800 jobs and
contributing over $22 million in annual tax revenues to State and local
government. The Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State
Port Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware. For
further information, digital photos, free tours of the Port and free
speakers contact: Vered Nohi-Becker, Marketing Services Manager
at the Port of Wilmington
@
(302) 472-7819, e-mail: vnbecker@port.state.de.us
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