New Orleans, LA – The Port of New Orleans awarded a $13.3 million contract to Metairie-based Hardrock Construction for improvements to the Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal.

The 12-acre project is intended to upgrade the terminal, improving the movement of marine and rail cargo at the port while also reducing its carbon footprint.

The current project includes constructing a rail yard with 10,000 linear feet of track and five-acres of heavy-duty paving to be used for the efficient transfer of containers. The scope of the contract includes electrical, drainage and utility work, along with the installation of new water feeds to additional hydrants.

Existing rail lines currently moving cargo will be removed upon completion of the new tracks so intermodal service at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal will not be interrupted.

The port received a $16.7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for the project in 2012, after state and city politicians expressed their support for it to the US Department of Transportation.

The total cost of the project, with the addition of new terminal equipment and engineering services, is expected to reach $21 million.

Port officials expect the project to be completed by February 2016.

08/25/2014