Who uses the Seattle Ferry Terminal?
Residents and tourists depend on the terminal as an important link to regional destinations and state highways. Over 85% of vehicles arriving at the terminal are headed for destinations beyond downtown Seattle.
80,000 commercial vehicles each year use the Bainbridge Island and Bremerton ferries to carry goods to west Puget Sound communities and the Olympic Peninsula.
Project Facts
- During peak commute periods walk-on passengers exceed vehicle passengers by a factor of 8 to 1.
- Over 25,000 people commute daily through the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
- More than 9 million people travel through the terminal on an annual basis. Of those, 7.2 million people walk onto the ferries or are passengers in cars.
Spring/Summer 2007
In 2006, WSF engaged a Community Advisory Group (CAG) to help shape the Seattle Ferry Terminal. Read more.
Project Update
In Spring 2007, legislation was passed that requires analysis of and changes to the way WSF plans, operates, funds, and delivers its programs. Many of these changes are in line with concerns expressed by the City of Seattle and community members in recent years.
The ferry financing legislation (ESHB 2358) is intended to address the lack of long-term, sustainable funding for Washington State Ferries and directs the ferry system to “maximize the ferry system's current capacity and make the most efficient use of citizens' tax dollars.”
At the heart of the Legislature’s intent is that most work on WSF’s major preservation and improvement projects will slow significantly to align with work to be conducted over the next two years to respond to the ferry financing bill. This systemwide work will include:
- Conducting a market survey to gather data on ferry users
- Revisiting ridership demand forecasts
- Developing terminal design standards that find the most efficient balance between capital and operating investments
- Evaluating operational and pricing strategies, such as reservations or peak-period pricing to accommodate peak period demand
For 2007-2009 project funds are appropriated for:
- Continued work with the City of Seattle on a resolution and guidelines for future development of Colman Dock
- Coordination with the AWV project, SR 519, SR 99 Urban Mobility Plan, Central Waterfront Plan and other related efforts
Implicit in the project budget is the understanding that WSF will not continue work on the Colman Dock Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or development of alternatives. For 2007-2009, WSF will focus on systemwide planning and coordination with nearby projects. The design team will not continue to develop concepts for the terminal.
Why is WSDOT
improving the Seattle Ferry Terminal?
The Seattle Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock is Washington State Ferries' busiest terminal and is used by over nine million riders per year.
The terminal serves the Bainbridge Island and Bremerton passenger-vehicle routes and the Vashon Island passenger-only ferry route. In coming years, the number of daily commuters and visitors is expected to grow, with the majority of the growth coming from walk-on passengers. These ferries are a critical part of the state highway system and the terminals serve as the transportation hub between the east and west sides of Puget Sound.
The Seattle Ferry Terminal must be upgraded because:
- Timber pilings and trestles that support the dock have been damaged by marine borers, known as gribbles, and are deteriorating due to age and increased use.
- The projected growth in ferry riders exceeds capacity.
- Transfer spans for loading passengers and cars onto boats are aging and need to be replaced.
- The terminal building and electrical services are inadequate for current and future needs.
- Direct transit service to and from the terminal is minimal and direct pedestrian access into downtown is inadequate for the increasing number of walk-on passengers.
- Insufficient vehicle ticketing and holding capacity causes traffic congestion on Alaskan Way during peak travel periods.
The Seattle Ferry Terminal must be upgraded, but the timing provides a larger opportunity. The replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is creating a new waterfront.
WSF will look at ways to prioritize and address immediate needs at the terminal while still planning for and accommodating future needs and objectives. In addition, WSF is considering development opportunities beyond a core ferry terminal. Throughout 2007, WSF will work with the City of Seattle to explore additional opportunities for Colman Dock.
The End Result
A redeveloped Colman Dock will be:
- A convenient transportation hub
- A more efficient facility that will help decrease ferry-related automobile congestion on Alaskan Way
- An enhanced transportation service center with improved facilities and connections for pedestrians and bicycles
- A chance to improve the marine environment on the Seattle waterfront
- A development that complies with new security requirements
Project Benefits
- Replacing aging and deteriorating structures and facilities at Colman Dock will improve the safety and efficiency of the Seattle Terminal, while also enhancing the overall customer experience.
What is the project timeline?
For 2007-2009 project funds are appropriated for:
- Continued work with the City of Seattle on a resolution and guidelines for future development of Colman Dock
- Coordination with the AWV project, SR 519, SR 99 Urban Mobility Plan, Central Waterfront Plan and other related efforts
Implicit in the project budget is the understanding that WSF will not continue work on the Colman Dock Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or development of alternatives. For 2007-2009, WSF will focus on systemwide planning and coordination with nearby projects. The design team will not continue to develop concepts for the terminal.
Public Involvement
We want to hear from you.
The project’s Community Advisory Group (CAG) will help advise WSF as planning for Colman Dock moves forward.
We always welcome public comments. You can provide comments to us in the following ways:
Environmental Protection
Environmental impacts will be considered for every alternative studied for the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
- Replacing older structures reduces the risk of injuries caused by failure of terminal systems and structures.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
Ferry terminal projects may impact near shore resources and habitats that are of interest to Native American tribes. WSDOT regularly works with the tribes to address their concerns. At the beginning of any project, WSDOT sends letters to impacted tribal councils introducing the proposed project. It meets with the tribes leadership, biologists and archeologists to discuss and accommodate tribal concerns. WSDOT and tribal representatives work to find mutually agreeable solutions to issues that arise. This effort may lead to a formal agreement between WSDOT and the tribe concerning the actions WSDOT will take to mitigate the effects of its project and address other tribal concerns.
Financial Information
The Legislature approved a little over $900,000 in planning funds for the 2007-2009 biennium.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Hadley Greene
Washington State Ferries
Customer & Community Relations
2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 515-3913
Email:
SeattleFerryTerminalProject@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top