Why is WSDOT
building a vehicle tunnel?
Periodic surges of ferry traffic interfere with pedestrian and local traffic flow. To increase safety and decrease congestion, a tunnel is being built to separate off-loading ferry traffic from downtown Bremerton pedestrian traffic.
The End Result
The end result is a 959-foot-long tunnel connecting the BTC to Burwell Street. Diverting ferry traffic away from downtown streets improves pedestrian safety and reduces congestion.
The project also provides improved access to the BTC for incoming traffic.
Our Partners
This project is in partnership with:
- City of Bremerton
- Kitsap Transit
- Federal Highway Administration
- Federal Transit Administration
Other organizations have also participated in its development, including the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and local emergency services.
Project Benefits
- Safety. This project increases safety for pedestrians and motorists by diverting off-loading ferry traffic away from downtown Bremerton streets.
- Congestion Relief. By diverting off-loading ferry traffic directly onto Burwell Street, congestion is reduced in the waterfront area.
- Improved Incoming Ferry Traffic Management. Improvements designed to better manage incoming ferry traffic include an additional lane on Pacific to accommodate transit and vanpool traffic, a larger vehicle holding area at the BTC, and repositioned toll booths that can accomodate oversized vehicles in any lane.
- Environment. This tunnel project was coordinated with the City of Bremerton combined sewer overflow (CSO) project.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT awarded the $30.7 million construction contract to Tri-State Construction, Inc. in May 2007.
Construction started July 2007. The tunnel is on schedule to open in July 2009.
Financial Information
Funding for this project comes from multiple sources including Congressional earmarks, federal National Highway System program funds, federal Surface Transportation Program funds, the City of Bremerton and federal grants.
Estimated costs at completion:
Preliminary Engineering - $6 million
Right of Way - $4.4 million
Construction - $43.5 million
Total project cost - $53.9 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Brenden Clarke, Project Engineer
WSDOT Port Orchard Project Office
8293 Spring Creek Road
Port Orchard, WA 98367
360-874-3010
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