Conceptual rendering of the terminal from the new transit center (Washington State Department of Transportation photo)

Washington State Ferries selected IMCO Construction as the general contractor for the next stage of construction in the Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal Project.

Valued at $49.7 million, this work will include the passenger building, holding lanes, toll plaza, and waterfront promenade. It represents the largest part of the project to replace the existing 61-year-old seismically vulnerable terminal. Construction is set to begin in early 2019.

"IMCO brings a close knowledge of the project and the site as they have worked under a smaller contract to tunnel a portion of the stormwater system at the site," said Nicole McIntosh, director of terminal engineering. "IMCO has done a great job on the stormwater lines, so we're excited to work with them to bring the new terminal to the Mukilteo waterfront."

A Modern Terminal

The new terminal, to be built one-third of a mile east of the existing one, is one of many steps to reshape the Mukilteo waterfront. It will sit on the site of a former U.S. Air Force fueling station that has been unused since 1989. Earlier work removed that fueling pier. The terminal's location is also near the Sounder commuter rail station, which improves transit connections and opens up the waterfront to pedestrians.

The existing terminal was built in 1957, when ridership and surrounding population numbers were a fraction of what they are today.

"This is a giant step forward for this project," said WSF head Amy Scarton. "It is designed to improve safety for our customers and reduce congestion conflicts between people driving and walking onto the ferry."

In August, WSF rejected bids for this phase because they exceeded funds available. To help lower costs this time around, WSF split construction into two contracts — this one for upland buildings and another for remaining marine structures. The new package also includes efficiencies designed to reduce costs while upholding commitments to local tribes and the city of Mukilteo. The second contract will be advertised to bidders in early 2019.

"We want the new terminal to be a centerpiece of the community," McIntosh said. "We've worked with the public, tribal partners and a range of stakeholders to get to this point. We're excited to deliver a project that will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, vehicles and bicycles."

WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries 25 million people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world.

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