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Post by Kahloke on Dec 27, 2010 10:11:01 GMT -8
Some of my pics of Colman Dock: Passengers boarding Bainbridge-bound ferry at Slip 3 - Aug, 2004  Colman Dock - Alaskan Way side - May, 2005  MV Wenatchee at Colman Dock, Slip 3 - May, 2005   Egress Lanes at Colman Dock - Sep, 2007  Cars boarding MV Sealth at Colman Dock, Slip 1 - Sep, 2007  Vehicle entrance/exit to Colman Dock - Oct, 2007  peek-a-boo view of Hyak through auto toll plaza - Oct, 2007  |
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Post by SS Shasta on Apr 17, 2011 10:55:31 GMT -8
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Post by EGfleet on Apr 17, 2011 13:15:44 GMT -8
Unfortunately it is one of those things that has to be done. Anyone remember how the parking lot at Colman Dock buckled and cracked during the Nisqually quake? Those wooden pilings under that thing are 50 years old at a bare minimum--if not older. I think some of them date back to when the old Colman Dock was built in the 1930's. No way they meet seismic standards now. In addition, in the event of a citywide evacuation, guess where a lot of the office workers on the waterfront are supposed to go--Colman Dock. This was the case when I worked for the feds. Not good to have your main evacuation point falling into the water. I forget how many employees work in that building alone--well over 2500. Maybe because of that they can get some federal funds to help replace it. |
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Post by Kahloke on Sept 2, 2012 17:49:50 GMT -8
A rather unique view of Colman Dock last week, as seen from the window of the Virgin America A320 I was on during final approach into SEA  |
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SolDuc
Voyager 
West Coast Cyclist
SolDuc and SOBC - Photo by Scott
Posts: 2,055
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Post by SolDuc on Oct 13, 2013 15:00:34 GMT -8
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Nov 16, 2013 21:35:47 GMT -8
With permission from SEA native. I am sharing because it shows historical and how the Colman dock has changed.  |
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Post by Mike C on Nov 16, 2013 22:30:28 GMT -8
With permission from SEA native. I am sharing because it shows historical and how the Colman dock has changed. AC: When you post a historic photo such as this, some extra context goes a long way: -When was it taken? -Which WSF vessel is pictured on the right? -Are there any predominant differences between then and now at Coleman Dock to the untrained eye? Thanks! |
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,957
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Post by FNS on Nov 16, 2013 22:59:18 GMT -8
With permission from SEA native. I am sharing because it shows historical and how the Colman dock has changed. AC: When you post a historic photo such as this, some extra context goes a long way: -When was it taken? -Which WSF vessel is pictured on the right? -Are there any predominant differences between then and now at Coleman Dock to the untrained eye? Thanks! I'll put my few cents into the description of this photo. I found out the date of the photo. This was taken in August of 1973. This is when the HYAK and YAKIMA were on the Bremerton run and the new SPOKANE was on the Winslow run alongside the ELWHA. The north slip was present then as well as the restaurant located next to the YAKIMA in the Bremerton slip. I liked the waterfront back then. Old docks, especially the shabby but beautiful CPR dock at Pier 64, et al. And, the "box the Space Needle came in" stood proudly then. Thanks for sharing that photo. Brings me memories of the 1970s. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Nov 17, 2013 16:04:07 GMT -8
AC: When you post a historic photo such as this, some extra context goes a long way: -When was it taken? -Which WSF vessel is pictured on the right? -Are there any predominant differences between then and now at Coleman Dock to the untrained eye? Thanks! I'll put my few cents into the description of this photo. I found out the date of the photo. This was taken in August of 1973. This is when the HYAK and YAKIMA were on the Bremerton run and the new SPOKANE was on the Winslow run alongside the ELWHA. The north slip was present then as well as the restaurant located next to the YAKIMA in the Bremerton slip. I liked the waterfront back then. Old docks, especially the shabby but beautiful CPR dock at Pier 64, et al. And, the "box the Space Needle came in" stood proudly then. Thanks for sharing that photo. Brings me memories of the 1970s. Most of the information is correct. The vessel is Yakima. The difference at the dock is no over head walkway at slip 1 or 3 and the city skyline. |
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Post by Barnacle on Nov 17, 2013 19:14:34 GMT -8
I'll put my few cents into the description of this photo. I found out the date of the photo. This was taken in August of 1973. This is when the HYAK and YAKIMA were on the Bremerton run and the new SPOKANE was on the Winslow run alongside the ELWHA. The north slip was present then as well as the restaurant located next to the YAKIMA in the Bremerton slip. I liked the waterfront back then. Old docks, especially the shabby but beautiful CPR dock at Pier 64, et al. And, the "box the Space Needle came in" stood proudly then. Thanks for sharing that photo. Brings me memories of the 1970s. Most of the information is correct. The vessel is Yakima. The difference at the dock is no over head walkway at slip 1 or 3 and the city skyline. Actually, AC, the Yakima is parked at what was then Slip 1, which does have overhead loading (it's now Slip 2). Slip 2 (now 3) is the empty one with the overhead loading, and the "then" slip 3 (since demolished, but if you look at the parking lot you can still make out the very faint paint lines marking its location) is at the far left of the photo. |
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Post by northwesterner on Nov 17, 2013 20:13:20 GMT -8
Most of the information is correct. The vessel is Yakima. The difference at the dock is no over head walkway at slip 1 or 3 and the city skyline. Actually, AC, the Yakima is parked at what was then Slip 1, which does have overhead loading (it's now Slip 2). Slip 2 (now 3) is the empty one with the overhead loading, and the "then" slip 3 (since demolished, but if you look at the parking lot you can still make out the very faint paint lines marking its location) is at the far left of the photo. The most obvious sign of the now demolished slip 3 is the staircase/overpass that leads from the holding lot, over the top of the vehicle loading area for the current slip 3, directly to the upper level of Colman Dock. As passengers had to pay their fares inside upstairs, and there wasn't any overhead loading to the former slip 3, they were directed down this staircase to board on the vehicle deck of the ferry. I haven't walked on a ferry at Colman Dock in ages but isn't it incredible that those ancient overhead walkways (complete with pulleys) that have to be muscled in place by the terminal worker are still going strong? The overhead walkways of the same design in Winslow were replaced probably about twenty years ago (maybe even 25 years ago). |
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SolDuc
Voyager
West Coast Cyclist
SolDuc and SOBC - Photo by Scott
Posts: 2,055
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Post by SolDuc on Nov 17, 2013 20:58:05 GMT -8
I haven't walked on a ferry at Colman Dock in ages but isn't it incredible that those ancient overhead walkways (complete with pulleys) that have to be muscled in place by the terminal worker are still going strong? The overhead walkways of the same design in Winslow were replaced probably about twenty years ago (maybe even 25 years ago). That also surprises me a lot almost everytime I walk on (which is pretty much all the time). Well, Slip 2 hasn't been used on a regular basis since the new Slip 1 opened complete with Overhead Loading, but the one on Slip 3 sees at least ten thousand people every single day. Multiply that by 45-ish years of use (not 10,000 people at first, but still several thousand) and you get at least a hundred million people that have transited it. I guess WSF well used that over the years. Anyways, those foot passenger planks as well as the few remaining wooden parts of Colman dock (the holding lanes north of the terminal building and the wingwall prolongation of slip 2/3) are getting replaced when the new Colman Dock opens. More info on that project here. |
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Post by northwesterner on Nov 18, 2013 1:20:52 GMT -8
I haven't walked on a ferry at Colman Dock in ages but isn't it incredible that those ancient overhead walkways (complete with pulleys) that have to be muscled in place by the terminal worker are still going strong? The overhead walkways of the same design in Winslow were replaced probably about twenty years ago (maybe even 25 years ago). That also surprises me a lot almost everytime I walk on (which is pretty much all the time). Well, Slip 2 hasn't been used on a regular basis since the new Slip 1 opened complete with Overhead Loading, but the one on Slip 3 sees at least ten thousand people every single day. Multiply that by 45-ish years of use (not 10,000 people at first, but still several thousand) and you get at least a hundred million people that have transited it. I guess WSF well used that over the years. Anyways, those foot passenger planks as well as the few remaining wooden parts of Colman dock (the holding lanes north of the terminal building and the wingwall prolongation of slip 2/3) are getting replaced when the new Colman Dock opens. More info on that project here. IIRC, slip 1 opened but was hardly used for many years. I believe WSF had a number of problems, especially with the overhead walkway at that slip. I don't recall all the details, but it was a number of years before that slip was regularly used. Anyone remember the issues more clearly than I? |
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Apr 14, 2014 14:25:59 GMT -8
In the latest installment which I probably will not have time to view, the Department of Transportation has put out the Environmental Assessment. www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/BCF716F5-48EF-4CAC-B81E-29054FD73096/0/Colman_Dock_EA_Overview_Final_April_2014.pdfIt has always seemed a bit interesting that they just want to build further south and not have any sort of expansion but given the financial constraints the state has been put into it is no surprise. Given this, it seems more of a preservation of what there is now and not planning on any additions in the near future. |
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Post by EGfleet on Dec 9, 2014 6:07:49 GMT -8
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Jul 24, 2015 18:21:15 GMT -8
I just looked at the terminal conditions for Seattle and I noticed the 7:20pm to Bainbridge Island was red and showed -77 spaces. What does -77 mean??? Vehicles left behind?? I have never seen that before.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2015 11:47:06 GMT -8
I just looked at the terminal conditions for Seattle and I noticed the 7:20pm to Bainbridge Island was red and showed -77 spaces. What does -77 mean??? Vehicles left behind?? I have never seen that before. Hi! This is my first post. -77 means that 77 vehicles above the capacity of the vessel are in the holding area. |
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Post by Barnacle on Aug 2, 2015 16:14:32 GMT -8
I just looked at the terminal conditions for Seattle and I noticed the 7:20pm to Bainbridge Island was red and showed -77 spaces. What does -77 mean??? Vehicles left behind?? I have never seen that before. Hi! This is my first post. -77 means that 77 vehicles above the capacity of the vessel are in the holding area. Welcome! Thank you for the explanation. How did you discover that? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 5:12:57 GMT -8
Hi! This is my first post. -77 means that 77 vehicles above the capacity of the vessel are in the holding area. Welcome! Thank you for the explanation. How did you discover that? On the DOT website it says "negative numbers are the number of cars parked in the holding area beyond our vessel capacity." |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 6:59:24 GMT -8
I've not only seen this on the Winslow-Seattle run, I've seen it at other terminals as well. But I don't understand why they don't subtract that number from the next sailing, rather than making it a negative number on this sailing.
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Post by Barnacle on Aug 3, 2015 17:45:04 GMT -8
Welcome! Thank you for the explanation. How did you discover that? On the DOT website it says "negative numbers are the number of cars parked in the holding area beyond our vessel capacity." Somehow reading the directions takes all the fun out of it...  |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2015 13:59:21 GMT -8
On the DOT website it says "negative numbers are the number of cars parked in the holding area beyond our vessel capacity." Somehow reading the directions takes all the fun out of it... I don't think so.... :-) |
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Post by Kahloke on Apr 8, 2016 19:04:07 GMT -8
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Post by Olympic Ferries on Sept 14, 2019 9:35:08 GMT -8
On Sunday September 15, the Seattle terminal will finally move into the newly constructed building for Bremerton and Bainbridge operations. I've seen some photos and seen it myself and it looks to be very nice, but definitely a smaller space for sure. Per WSF, the operations will stay at Slip 1 for Bainbridge sailings, but Bremerton sailings will change from Slip 2 to Slip 3 while the old terminal is demolished. **diagram from WSF**
I think that the biggest issue is going to be waiting space. WSF is encouraging people to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before sailing time and to pre-purchase tickets when possible to decrease waiting times.
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Post by Olympic Ferries on Sept 15, 2019 14:35:31 GMT -8
Finally, the moment I have been waiting for since construction began back in, what was it, 2017? I don't even remember it's been so long. It has been such an amazing experience to see the Colman Dock project grow and develop over the last few years, including the opening of the new Fast Ferry Terminal, expansion of holding lanes for Bainbridge, and today, the opening of the first section of the new terminal building. It all has a very modern feel to it, and seeing people get adjusted to this new experience, both as commuter and leisure travelers, will continue to amaze me as construction continues. I can't wait to see what all WSF have planned for the rest of the project.
Terminal Photos & New Walk-On Experience
 . This section of the pedestrian bridge is unchanged. Access from 1st & Marion also remains unchanged.
At the intersection of Western Ave & Marion Street, the new bridge veers left towards Columbia Street. The old section towards the viaduct and Alaskan Way is now closed.
This section of the bridge above Western Avenue curves towards the waterfront and Alaskan Way.
Looking across the section of the bridge across Alaskan Way and towards the new terminal walkway.
The new bridge crosses Alaskan Way about one block south of the Marion Street Bridge, approximately at Columbia Street. The old terminal is still visible, and the elevators at the east end of the old terminal are still in use temporarily.
Last section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct still standing in Seattle. The Marion Street Bridge has since been removed and demolition has begun.
Comparison between the old (right) and new (left) terminals. Demolition of the old terminal is expected to begin once the connection to Slip 3 is completed, in approximately 2 weeks.
New stairway at Alaskan Way & Columbia Street to access the new terminal building. In about 2 years, RapidRide C Line to West Seattle will stop here.
The enclosed walkway to the terminal has three lanes: Bremerton on the north side, Bainbridge in the middle and Exit to Street & Elevators on the south side.
Overhead Foot Bridge to the Water Taxi & Fast Ferry Terminal at Pier 50. Elevators on the south side (pictured by the yellow frames) are not yet operational and ADA access remains through the old elevators at the east end by Alaskan Way. This bridge also provides new access to enter/exit the terminal at Yesler Way.
As this is only the first third of the terminal, it exists only on the south portion of Pier 52, by Slip 1. Currently, Bainbridge sailings depart from Slip 1 and Bremerton sailings from Slip 2; however, in approximately 2 weeks, Bremerton sailings will shift to Slip 3 once the overhead walkway is connected to the new terminal.
This is the enclosed walkway with Bainbridge and Bremerton waiting lanes. It connects the new terminal building to the stairs at Columbia Street and the pedestrian bridge to Marion Street.
Now that South Trestle construction is just about complete, two new bicycle lanes have been added (lanes 1-2) and Lanes 4-20 can now stage one full boat for Bainbridge, limiting the use of off-site staging at Pier 48 during Peak Times.
The interior of the new terminal is beautiful. All-glass exterior on two facades make the space feel very open and welcoming with views to the outside. Bainbridge passengers board through the left set of doors & turnstiles towards Slip 1 and Bremerton passengers board through the right set of doors & turnstiles towards Slip 2 (soon to be Slip 3). Restrooms and ~65 seats for limited mobility passengers are available inside the terminal building. Access towards the Yesler Way & Fast Ferry Overpass through the door at far left.
Western Facade of the new terminal from Slip 2. The wood-paneled walkway across towards the old terminal will remain in place to allow Bremerton passengers to access Slip 3 in about 2 weeks, and demolition of the old terminal will begin.
Overall, I found the new space to be very inviting and open, with lots of views and a very modern feel to it. The yellow adds a bit of pop to the building's gray exterior, and is also utilized at the Fast Ferry elevators. I will be interested to see how the peak commute is handled in this new space, as well as how Slip 3 progresses along with the swap to Bremerton ops over there. For now, welcome to the new home of WSF operations at Colman Dock in Downtown Seattle.  Enjoy.
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