The Alabama State Docks' River End D-2 Offically Opens

The Alabama State Docks will officially open its new pier, River End D-2, with a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, October 11 at 10 a.m.The $6 million project, funded by proceeds from the 1997 Docks Facilities Revenue Bonds, was designed to provide more open storage and additional water access for speed loading and off-loading of metals such as steel and aluminum products, a growing market for Alabama’s seaport.

According to James K. Lyons, director and CEO of Alabama State Docks, this new pier will enable the Docks to work more closely with Alabama steel producers that manufacture goods for the export market, and to handle incoming metals for Alabama’s new manufacturers that fabricate steel and aluminum products.

The River End D-2, located between berths D and E on the Mobile River, is 500 feet long. This pier is the first step in the full development of the last unused portion of the Docks’ main complex. Completion of this project would be possible through funding from Amendment 1, which would provide additional money for capital projects for the port. This amendment is on the ballot for the Nov. 7 statewide election. Gottlieb, Barnett and Bridges provided all design engineering, and David Volkert and Associates served as program manager. Robert J. Baggett Inc. was contractor. 

The new pier is adjacent to 8-plus acres that were paved for lay-down of aluminum two years ago. An additional 9 acres has been cleared and covered in aggregate for immediate use. Two rail tracks of approximately 1,500 feet each have been laid to handle cargo moving through the new pier.