April 2013
- WSF and passenger-only ferry operators have agreed on a plan to maintain passenger-only service at Colman Dock both during project construction and into the future. For more information, view our latest terminal layout image (pdf 1 mb) or read our updated passenger-only Frequently Asked Questions document. These documents are found in our Project Library.
- Although the scoping comment period has ended, we welcome your feedback at any time, and encourage you to review the latest project materials to learn more.
Overview
Washington State Ferries (WSF), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are planning a project to replace the aging and seismically vulnerable components of Colman Dock in Seattle in order to maintain ferry service in the future. These agencies have initiated the environmental review process.
Why is WSDOT
considering replacing the Seattle Ferry Terminal?
Colman Dock in Seattle is WSF’s largest ferry terminal and supports transportation across Puget Sound between downtown Seattle and communities in Kitsap County. It serves general and commercial purpose traffic, high occupancy vehicles, transit, bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2012 alone, Colman Dock served 8.4 million riders, including 4.3 million foot passengers. The Seattle/Bainbridge route is WSF’s busiest passenger route and has the largest annual ridership. By 2030, overall ridership is projected to increase by 39 percent for the Seattle/Bainbridge route and by 25 percent for the Seattle/Bremerton route.
The project’s purpose is to preserve the transportation function of an aging, deteriorating, and seismically-deficient facility to continue providing safe and reliable service. The project will also address existing safety concerns related to conflicts between vehicles and pedestrian traffic and operational inefficiencies.
Key project elements include:
- Replacing and re-configuring the timber trestle portion of the dock.
- Replacing the main terminal building.
- Reconfiguring the dock layout to provide safer and more efficient operations. Replacing the vehicle transfer span and the overhead loading structures of Slip 3.
- Replacing vessel landing aids.
- Maintaining a connection to the Marion Street pedestrian overpass.
- Replacing the passenger-only ferry facility on southern edge of Colman Dock. For more information on plans for the passenger-only ferry facility, see the passenger-only ferry Frequently Asked Questions document.
The End Result
The new Seattle Multimodal Terminal at Colman Dock will improve safety by addressing concerns related to seismic vulnerability and pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. The project will also improve the environment by removing creosote-treated timber piles from Elliott Bay and providing additional stormwater treatment.
WSF, FTA and FHWA are currently developing an environmental assessment, and will coordinate closely with other Seattle waterfront projects, including the Elliott Bay Seawall Replacement, Waterfront Seattle project, and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program throughout the process.
Project Benefits
The project would:
- Ensure that the Colman Dock facility can continue to provide, safe, reliable and efficient ferry service between Seattle and Kitsap County.
- Improve safety by addressing seismic vulnerability and reducing conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
- Improve existing pedestrian connections to local transit service.
- Upgrade terminal facilities to current codes and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Remove large quantities of creosote-treated timber piles from Elliott Bay.
- Open up an area of shoreline and near-shore habitat.
What is the project timeline?
What is the project timeline?
- 2011-2013 – Environmental process/preliminary design
- 2013-2015 – Design
- 2015-2020 – Construction
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
The current project budget is $268 million and relies on a combination of local, state and federal funding sources.
- Terminal Building and North Trestle Replacement: $207 million
- Slip 3 Overhead Loading and Transfer Span Replacement: $48 million
- Passenger-only Ferry Facility Replacement: $13 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Genevieve Rucki, P.E.
WSF Project Manager
RuckiG@wsdot.wa.gov
206- 515-3461
Elizabeth Faulkner
Project Communications
FaulknE@wsdot.wa.gov
206-931-0815
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