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Berths 136-139 and 145-147, operated by Trapac Inc, are located at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) 20 miles South of Los Angeles. It consists of approximately 170 acres of space for a container yard, Customs facility, and logistics for routing shipping containers into and out of the country. Amoroso's project is one of four projects to streamline movement of containers through the terminal, easing congestion between rail lines and truck transport. In addition to increasing container flow, TraPac's Terminal will be the first in the nation to operate as a fully automated facility. Amoroso was awarded a 2.5 year contract worth just under $65,000,000 by the POLA in November 2012 for the construction of eight new buildings, a redeveloped main-in-gate truck entrance and extensive site infrastructure improvements.

The project involves 12 different phases. Amoroso will be simultaneously running three to six different phases at a time. The work on this project will include the construction of a four story steel framed administration building designed to achieve LEED Gold, eight truck scales, Yard Operations building and a Pedestrian Bridge over the new grade separation removing conflicts with railroad grade crossings. All buildings will be clad with metal panels, some more than others, and most will have a standing seam metal roof. Part of the work includes significant improvements to storm drains and sewers, new gas lines and an electrical and low voltage umbilical through half the terminal. All of these underground improvements have to be coordinated with existing fuel lines that are usually poorly marked or not shown at all. These unforeseen obstructions cause difficulties and delays, especially with respect to gravity drainage devices.

Work in Berths 145 – 147 (backlands) involve the demolition and removal of existing underground utilities and an existing sewage pump station. New construction of upgraded storm drainage and installation of new grading and paving, an updated storm drain system and other various site improvements. A significant portion of these upgrades have already been accepted by POLA and turned over to TraPac's robotics contractor who has begun installation of the automation devices.

Approximately ten percent of this project's work will be self performed and will include forming and placement of structural concrete. The contract requires Amoroso to fulfill a percentage of local workers and those from disadvantaged areas. This requirement will allow Amoroso to give back to the neighboring communities and provide valuable experience in the construction industry for aspiring carpenters, laborers, and cement masons.

TraPac's Terminal remains open and functional throughout the duration of the project. This adds to the challenge during construction and makes communication between POLA and its clients (TraPac, Exxon Mobil, Shell, Conoco Phillips) essential for the completion of a successful project within the budget. While this has been a difficult, and thus far continuous obstacle to overcome, it has also provided our staff with an invaluable learning experience in creatively solving schedule issues.

Nearing 30% completion, our Amoroso team is looking to finish strong and secure a positive, long lasting, and beneficial relationship with the Port of Los Angeles.