Project Summary

The Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route connects Whidbey Island to the Seattle-Everett metropolitan area, the system’s busiest route for vehicle traffic and the second highest in annual ridership, with over four million total riders annually. The new terminal’s location near the Sounder commuter rail station improves transit connections and opens the waterfront to pedestrians.

IMCO constructed a new terminal building, seven holding lanes, toll plaza, and waterfront promenade. The new building replaced a 61-year-old seismically vulnerable terminal and added a separate loading area for pedestrians and bicyclists to increase safety.

Washington State Ferries opened the new Mukilteo Ferry Terminal on the evening of December 29, 2020. The first vessel arrived from Clinton, dedicated passengers waited in line for hours to be the first to arrive at the new facility. COVID-19 shutdown construction for six weeks in the spring of 2020, but the construction team was able to meet their milestones to open on time. This is the first new WSF terminal in 40 years. The facility achieved LEED Gold certification. Green features include pervious concrete, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels. The facility also boasts efficient loading, and improved safety, including an overhead loading walkway for pedestrians. LMN Architects designed the longhouse-inspired building through collaboration with seven Coast Salish tribes.

Details

Location

Mukilteo, Washington

Owner

Washington State Department of Transportation

Contract Amount

$48 Million

Duration

January 2019 - April 2021

Project Highlights

The Mukilteo Ferry Terminal project enhances mobility for the Mukilteo to Whidbey Island ferry passengers. It serves one of WSDOT’s most active routes, with over four million riders every year. The new terminal improves safety and accessibility, reduces ferry-related traffic along the waterfront, improves loading and unloading efficiency, and enhances access to the BNSF station. Walk-on ridership is expected to increase 124% by 2040.