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The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest in the Western Hemisphere and doing any project there is complex. But the $73 million Pier 400 project is extraordinary. Completed in June 2024, the Pier 400 On-Dock Rail Expansion project was a $73 million multi-year, major infrastructure improvement that upgraded and expanded the intermodal rail storage yard near the Port’s container terminal, greatly improving cargo flow, reducing emissions, and boosting overall safety in the Port. Equally as important, a large number of women contributed meaningfully to the project.

Design engineer Sue Lai overcame the challenge of initiating the project, obtaining design expertise, coordinating several stakeholders, and establishing grant funding for the project. Port structural engineers Lily Becaria and Briella Williams created an exemplary project bridge design as well. Geraldine Shimabukuro took control of the project mid-design. Despite a steep learning curve, she met the challenge head on and navigated myriad complexities to bring the project to successful completion.

While Sue and Geraldine drove the project design, they were not alone. Many seasoned female project managers and supervisors provided expertise throughout the project design and construction. Women on this team mitigated unforeseen field issues and worked closely to minimize impact to surrounding Port tenants. In all, women made this vital and pioneering job possible.