As a part of the Hylebois Peninsula redevelopment efforts, Northwest Demolition was contracted to remove various structures in the Port of Tacoma.  The project scope included the removal of four shipways, two concrete piers, two wood piers, and fourteen concrete capped “dolphins”.  Over 1,300 wood pilings were extracted.  While two piers were able to be demolished from atop the structures, two required the use of barge to overcome accessibility issues and mitigate the risk of unplanned collapse.  Extensive rigging and lifting was required for the removal of the concrete piers and “dolphins”, with some picks exceeding 180,000 lbs.  The large mooring “dolphins” were downsized by wire saw, and specialized containment systems were utilized to prevent slurry and debris from entering the waterway.

This project involved the coordination of tides, multiple subcontractors, and a busy shipping schedule within Commencement Bay and the Corps of Engineers fish window restrictions.  Despite these challenges, the project was completed ahead of schedule.