Throughout 2025, crews have stabilized and readied the shoreline for construction of the replacement Terminal 1 dock – the phase scheduled to begin October 1.

Those who enjoy rare sightings – comets, peeking at the northern lights, bigfoot – can still snag a once-in-a-century view at the Port of Vancouver USA’s Terminal 1.

The port finished removing its aged dock just west of the I-5 bridge in 2024, providing the first glimpse of that bare shoreline in more than a century.

That view will soon change again. Construction of the replacement Terminal 1 dock begins in October 2025, which will support the future 40,000 square foot over-water public market.

Work throughout the last 18 months has made the shoreline sturdier and seismically resilient.

“We’re incredibly excited for the next phase in the reimagination of Terminal 1,” said Julianna Marler, port CEO.  “When it’s finished, the public market will offer a really unique experience. Our goal is to provide the whole community accessible and affordable options to shop, dine and enjoy this amazing spot over the Columbia.”

 

What to expect from construction

Progress will be seen and heard as construction equipment gathers at Terminal 1, and new pilings are placed during the Oct 1—January 31 in-water work window which is timed to minimize impacts to salmon.

To complete the necessary work during this window, crews will begin piling installation activities at 7:00am on weekdays and some Saturdays, wrapping up by 5:00pm.

To protect pedestrian safety, some temporary access restrictions may be placed on the port’s Vancouver Landing area located river-side of the AC Marriott hotel.

The port plans to communicate schedules and any potential changes to neighboring businesses and partners.

“We so appreciate the community’s patience as we move into the next redevelopment phase,” said Marler. “Working in and over the Columbia River demands lots of planning and care for safety and for our ecological resources, and those priorities will be front and center in the port’s dock construction activity.”

Here are a couple of interesting facts about this project – nearly 1,000 aged wooden pilings have been removed from the river and will be replaced by 198 structural steel pilings for the new replacement dock – a major upgrade for aquatic life.

The project includes the use of “bubble curtains” – ingenious devices that push compressed air through submerged perforated pipes to create a bubble barrier around construction activity, reducing noise impact on aquatic life. New materials placed on the river floor within the project area are also designed to be friendlier to salmon.  

Other activity along the river will require careful planning as well. As the I-5 bridge replacement effort to the east of Terminal 1 progresses, the port is actively coordinating with those officials to ensure the public market can also proceed.

“The new Terminal 1 dock and public market will be a community treasure, and an icon that welcomes people crossing the river into Vancouver,” said Marler. “We can’t wait to see people enjoy this space.”

The future 40,000 square foot public market to be built at the Port of Vancouver USA’s Terminal 1 is depicted in this rendering.

Timeline for Terminal 1 dock work

2025 – 2026: From October through January, structural steel pilings will be placed in the river to support a new dock. Once complete, dock panels will be installed.

2026 – 2027: Starting in fall 2026, the finishing touches will be put on the dock and its protective fendering system, making it ready to support the market structure.

2028 –2030 (estimated): Construction of the public market