Trench walk GVCC-06172014_2860On Tuesday, June 17, representatives from the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Columbia River Economic Development Council, Identity Clark County and the Association of Washington Business, visited the Port of Vancouver for a tour led by port CEO Todd Coleman.

Todd provided the group of 48 with an up-close-and-personal look at what’s happening at the port, which included visits to marine terminals and industrial areas. And as it happens, the tour coincided with the completion of a critical phase of the port’s new rail entrance, allowing these community leaders to walk the entire length of what’s referred to as “the trench.” This concrete superstructure will provide the foundation for the port’s new grade-separated entrance. 

Designed to bring trains into the port by traveling under the BNSF Rail Bridge, the trench sits atop more than 410 pilings; each made of U.S. steel and embedded 80 to 90 feet into the river’s northern bank. Project next steps include the construction of approximately 1,400 feet of new rail track within the watertight trench, which is designed to withstand hydraulic forces from the river and ensure safe and efficient movement of freight into and out of the port.

The chance for visitors to walk where soon only trains will travel, presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We were happy to share it with our economic development partners.