“Every minute saved is valuable in keeping goods moving in and out of this port,” said Port Commission Chairman James T. Edmonds, who opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Our job is to find ways to keep cargo moving so that we can remain competitive in this global marketplace.” Port Authority CEO Alec G. Dreyer remarked, “The completion of this Cargo Bay Road project marks a significant step taken by the Port of Houston Authority to help improve the environment, alleviate congestion and strengthen security at this terminal in a logical and efficient manner.”
Houston City Council Member James Rodriguez, whose District I includes several Port Authority operational facilities, also joined the celebration. “The Cargo Bay Road project is also a perfect example of how small businesses work together to make a big difference,” said Rodriguez.
After a brief presentation on the brisk, cold day, followed by a blessing from Father Rivers Patout, they joined Port Commissioners Jimmy Burke and Elyse Lanier and many of the prime and subcontractors involved in the multi-million dollar project to cut a portion of the ribbon before the trucks made their dramatic entrance.
The prime contractor for construction for the secured truck entrance canopy structure and associated utilities is Jerdon Construction, and subcontractors are Anchor Fence, Heights Electric and Execute Projects. North American Controls Corp. was the consultant for the canopy structure and the utilities. The prime contractor for construction was Triple B Services, and Apcon Services, BECO Construction, Main Lane Industries and Reliable Signal and Lighting Solutions were subcontractors. TSC Engineering was responsible for project design. Forde Construction, with subcontractors Cherry Demolition and George Hedge Contractors, were responsible for rail work. In addition, Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects was the railroad consultant that designed the four railroad crossings on Gate 1 Road under a separate design effort.
Presently, trucks transport about 75 percent of the Port of Houston’s inbound and outbound cargo. The new truck entrance will help improve traffic flow with three inbound and two outbound lanes. It will be open around the clock and staffed by contract security personnel. With the main gate closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, all traffic during those hours will be routed to Cargo Bay Road.
Representatives of the Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Houston Pilots, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), International Longshoremen’s Association, Port of Houston Authority tenants, and stevedoring companies attended, and trucks from Waggoner Auto Transport, All Trans Port Services, Palletized Trucking Inc., and Richway Transportation Services trucking lines took part in the ceremony.
