Terminal work impacts ferry sailings from Bainbridge, Bremerton

Ferries to and from Bainbridge Island to Seattle’s Colman Dock will share a slip with ferry boats from Bremerton when a temporary sailing schedule is put in place Saturday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 21.

Officials with Washington State Ferries said just one slip at Colman Dock will be in use this weekend as construction continues on the replacement of the Seattle ferry terminal.

From the first sailing on Saturday until the last sailing on Sunday, all Bainbridge Island and Bremerton sailings will share a single slip, according to WSF.

In order to prevent more than one ferry from arriving at or departing the slip at the same time, vessels will operate slower, and departure times will shift between five and 30 minutes on most sailings.

Construction activities require the use of one of two ferry slips so the Pacific Lifter, a giant barge with a floating crane, can drive piles on the north trestle.

The piles will support a platform and a large crane that will be used for demolition and future pile driving work on the north trestle, officials said.

“Closing down the north half of the dock for a solid weekend allows us to get a head start on replacing the trestle, which is partly supported by 70-year-old wooden piles,” said construction engineer Bryant Bullamore.

“This work is critical to ensure the safety of millions of people who use Colman Dock and we appreciate everyone’s patience,” he added.

Ferry officials are advising travelers on the Bainbridge Island-Seattle route to play ahead for the different departure times Saturday and Sunday, and said those departing from Colman Dock should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before their sailing.

Crossing times will also be longer during the weekend.

Officials also noted there will be much less room for vehicles waiting to load during the weekend work.

Vehicles in line for Bainbridge and Bremerton departures will share holding lanes on the south side of Colman Dock. When the dock is full, people in vehicles will wait in overflow vehicle holding lanes on Pier 48.

A temporary sailing schedule can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/ferries/colmanmultimodalterminal/what-to-expect-during-construction.