May 2012
- The scoping comment report is now available online (pdf 448 kb). The report details what we he heard from agencies and the public, and outlines next steps for the project.
- A total of 196 comments were received during scoping. The majority of the comments submitted emphasized the need to maintain passenger-only ferry service in the vicinity of Colman Dock.
- In response to this feedback, WSF has been working closely with King County and other passenger-only ferry operators on a plan to include a replacement passenger-only facility near Colman Dock.
- 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 2011 alone, 8.5 million riders used the Seattle Ferry Terminal, including 4.2 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.
- WSF is coordinating with passenger-only operators on plans to maintain passenger-only service in the vicinity of Colman Dock. Read the updated passenger-only FAQs (214 kb).
Previous plans to expand and potentially redevelop Colman Dock are no longer being evaluated. WSF's primary focus is on preserving and maintaining existing facilities.
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
The project budget is $210 million and relies on a combination of state and federal funding sources. Secured funding will support completion of the environmental review process, including the preliminary design work required to support the analysis.
Terminal Building and North Trestle Replacement
- State funding: $164.4 million
- Federal funding: $4.4 million
Slip 3 Overhead Loading and Transfer Span Replacement
- State funding: $41.2 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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