Port of Beaumont starts project construction

The Port of Beaumont Board of Commissioners approved a $57.3 million construction bid for a project aimed at increasing the port’s general cargo handling capacity by more than 15%. Phase II of the Main Street Terminal 1 project, awarded to McCarthy Building Companies, includes demolition of a failed dock structure and construction of a new state-of-the-art general cargo dock. The Main Street Terminal 1 project is expected to be complete by June 2024. 

“This project has been a labor of love,” Port Director Chris Fisher said. “With more than 10 years invested in engineering the project, optimizing the design, securing grants, and gaining final approvals, it’s incredibly rewarding to see it move forward. With the additional capacity, we will be able to more fully serve existing customers and welcome new customers.”

Elements that will provide for more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, according to port correspondence, include: use of concrete piles that provide a corrosion-resistant foundation for extended design life and resiliency; a final concrete topping slab that will be constructed using synthetic concrete reinforcing fibers, as opposed to traditional welded steel wire mesh, to provide a corrosion-proof surface, which will slow deterioration; and a new fender system that includes an energy-absorbing component to reduce loads on the dock.

The new dock will be 1,200 feet long and 130 feet wide, with a larger section in the middle measuring 152 feet wide. Its construction will consist of concrete piles, cast-in-place concrete caps and beams, pre-cast concrete deck panels, and a concrete topping slab. McCarthy is self-performing all concrete and pile installation, as well as utility installation including water and sewer.