Gov. Inslee unveils project plaque and thanks long list of project partners
SEATTLE – Gov. Jay Inslee, tribal representatives and local officials joined the Washington State Department of Transportation in a dedication ceremony at the new Seattle Multimodal Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock on Monday, Oct. 23.
The flagship ferry terminal serves two of Washington State Ferries’ busiest routes. Opened in stages, the full passenger building welcomed passengers in November 2022; the entry building along Alaskan Way and elevated pedestrian walkway opened in August 2023.
“Our ferry system has a new front door,” said Inslee. “America’s largest ferry system is evolving, and this terminal is a sign of things to come. It’s gorgeous, it’s accessible and it’s a technological marvel. It’s a next-generation dock for the next-generation, hybrid-electric ferries you’ll see on our waters here soon.”
Other speakers joining the governor included Suquamish Tribal Council Vice Chair Josh Bagley, Muckleshoot Tribal Vice Chair Donny Stevenson, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar and WSDOT Assistant Secretary Patty Rubstello. The event caps a seven-year, $489 million construction project on the Seattle waterfront.
“The Colman Dock project showcases the strength of our partnerships and the teams’ innovative design and construction approach,” said Millar. “It also demonstrates our commitment to building modern, multimodal terminals for the future.”
He noted that the terminal is built to current seismic standards and includes environmental features such as passive heating and cooling. The project also helps restore salmon habitat by opening up 180 feet of shoreline north of the terminal where a bulkhead once sat.
There’s more to come. Marion Street pedestrian bridge opens this fall directly linking the terminal to city streets. These amenities will follow in 2024:
- Two new tribal-named plazas along Alaskan Way
- Bike corral
- Up to 10 food/retail businesses
- New passenger pick-up/drop-off area
- Art installations
- The refurbished Colman Clock
WSF, a division of WSDOT, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For the latest service updates, sign up for rider alerts and track each ferry using the real-time map online.