Project Description
This project was a significant effort to transform the Terminal 4 waterfront in the City of Richmond. The goal was to revitalize the area by removing the aging wharf, warehouse, and supporting piles, and restoring the shoreline to a more natural state.
The project team worked diligently to execute this vision, drawing on their expertise and innovative approaches.
Major Challenges
The condition of the shoreline was unknown until the existing buildings and docks were demolished. This required developing a plan to test and properly dispose of the excavated soil based on the soil test results.
Demolishing the structures left the shoreline exposed to high wave and erosion forces from tidal action, wind, and commercial shipping and ferry traffic.
Adjacent roads had to remain open, and certain structures could not be removed, which limited the available space for equipment and materials. This created numerous safety hazards, such as working under live electrical lines, that had to be carefully mitigated.
Existing toe rock had to be excavated, hauled away, sorted by size, and then brought back and placed at the new levee toe.
During excavation, any rocks with marine growth had to be identified and placed back into the tidal zone.
Project Highlights
A key highlight was the strategic placement of unique “Oyster Balls” during night shifts to take advantage of low tides. This allowed the team to create specialized oyster habitats at the precise locations and elevations required by the city.
Project Scope
The key element of the project scope is shoreline excavation and restoration. This involved the removal of the existing wharf and warehouse structures, as well as the piles supporting them along the Terminal 4 shoreline. The excavated area was restored to a natural shoreline condition, enhancing the overall appearance and ecological function of the waterfront.
