The Port of Los Angles Wilmington Waterfront Promenade: “A Window to the Waterfront”

The Wilmington Waterfront Promenade is part of the Wilmington Waterfront Development Project envisioned and being implemented by the Port of Los Angeles (POLA). The promenade allows enhanced public access to the waterfront and for the local harbor community to expand its role as a key attraction and an economic driver for the Wilmington area by providing a connection between the Wilmington community and Berths 183–186 at the POLA and creating a “window to the waterfront.” The promenade project includes a bluff area, pedestrian promenade, an overlook pier, and a floating dock. Structural components of the project include a signature pedestrian bridge over existing railroad tracks, realignment of Water Street, and the demolition of an existing freight facility. This paper discusses the challenges and actions taken during planning and design to meet stakeholders’ expectations, code compliance, and budget requirements. Challenges include mitigation of settlement, utilizing an existing bulkhead wall, developing a new king-pile/sheetpile combi-wall, seismic design of the overlook pier, and passing vessel effect at adjacent berths.