Bainbridge Ferry Terminal-OHL Walkway Replacement & Cab Rehab

The Bainbridge ferry route between Seattle and Bainbridge Island is among the busiest in the ferry system for walk-on passengers. With millions of passengers annually, it was important to have a strong, safe structure that was built to last well into the future.  The existing overhead pedestrian walkway was over 50 years old and built with the creosote lumber of its time.  The structure was determined to be unsafe during a possible seismic event, common to the region.

The Bainbridge Ferry Terminal-OHL Walkway Replacement & Cab Rehab project replaced the creosote wood piles with a new steel-fortified walkway anchored by concrete and steel columns.   The steel bridge span, in its entirety measures 339 feet long and weighs more than 114 tons. Various mechanical and electrical components that power the existing overhead loading bridge were upgraded as well including new loading aprons, a new hydraulic system and upgraded control stations for the ferry operators.

The terminal resides in a delicate ecosystem and required special attention to care for the environment surrounding the project.  The most crucial item was the very nature of the project replacing the old creosote pile trestle with the new, seismic resistant, environmentally friendly steel piling.  An efficient spill prevention program was put in place throughout the project to protect the entire work site and the surrounding coastal environment.  Care was also given when selecting the exterior glazing curtain walls of the bridge span itself.  Each glass section was prepared with a bird protection treatment, an etched dot pattern visible to birds, effectively detouring them from unintentional clashes with the glass.  Fish forage surveys and mammal monitoring was also conducted during pile driving to ensure minimal impact to area sea life.

This project has greatly improved the travel experience and passenger safety. The walkway now meets current ADA standards with a wider and shorter pathway with less slope from the terminal to the ferry than the previous route.  Steel pilings and concrete piers are more seismically resistant than the previous construction.  Fire prevention sprinkler systems and radiant heaters were installed. Enhanced views of the Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island, and the Seattle Skyline are now available through the floor to ceiling glass exterior wall systems.

The Bainbridge Ferry Terminal-OHL Walkway Replacement & Cab Rehab project has made it possible to meet current and future demand for commuter travel while securing a safe and environmentally sound experience.

WeitzWay

Customer Advocacy – On June 22, 2022, Weitz co-signed a Partnering Charter with Washington State Ferries (WSF) and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT).  This charter represented our commitment to proactive planning and communication.  These commitments keep the public moving smoothly and safely through the facility while saving the client from costly delays.

Examples of this include a coordinated slip plan/traffic control scheme, communicated to WSDOT in advance, to mitigate any delays due to work which required a lane change for onboarding vehicles.  A temporary bridge was also built during construction to redirect foot traffic to avoid significant commuter disruption.

Throughout the project, Weitz worked closely with the WSDOT public liaison to keep the public informed about any possible weekend shutdowns, updates regarding construction status or date adjustments.  Establishing and maintaining this communication source became especially important during the planned span transfer, moving the large spans into place from the barges, which closed ferry operations for 6 days.   The extensive coordination and lift planning that took place between WSDOT, Contrack Watts and subcontractors ahead of time was essential to making this happen without delaying to the project.