OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe many facets of the port’s West Vancouver Freight Access Project 16 DP2A are beginning to come together and crews are making progress. Following the first of seven concrete pours on what will eventually be the trench itself, the project continues vibratory H-pile and pipe pile driving and replacing LaFarge dock anchor pilings. These piles will safely and efficiently support the concrete trench, which will serve as the new rail entrance into the port. 

In addition, noise monitoring is finished. This testing was done to ensure construction noise does not disturb marine life, and was deemed successful as water levels are low and the ground was able to absorb most of the construction noise.

When complete in October 2014, the project will allow full length unit trains of up to 120 cars to enter the port without impeding upon the existing North/South BNSF rail line that carries both freight and passenger trains almost continually throughout the day. Currently, each time a train enters the port, this line must remain clear while the train is “broken” into pieces that can be processed and staged throughout the terminal.