MUKILTEO — The first big step in construction of a new ferry terminal — removing a 1950s-era military pier — was completed nearly a year ago and 12 months ahead of schedule.

In 2017, work will begin again on the next phases of the $134.7 million project, starting with the advertising of bids.

Acquiring construction material, including pipe that is 2 feet in diameter, is scheduled to go to bid in February, said Charlie Torres, project manager for Washington State Ferries.

In May, the ferry system will advertise for supplies for the first construction project, building a structural foundation that the future terminal building will sit on.

“It’s a big concrete trestle and a lot of pipes put into the soil,” Torres said.

The ferry system also will take bids on installation of a stormwater line.

When the contracts are approved, both of these projects will involve having some earthwork equipment on-site, likely in the fall.

Demolition work is scheduled to begin on removal of tall concrete walls that were left over from the nearby former military tank farm. That work is tentatively scheduled for September.

Since work on the pier removal was finished a year early, it may come as a surprise to some to see and hear work restart on the project in the fall. “We’ll do as much outreach as we can so people know what to expect,” said Mayor Jennifer Gregerson.

The ferry system is expected to take bids on the biggest project to date in the fall. The $75 million project includes construction of the two-story passenger building, seven 100-foot holding lanes, retaining walls, a maintenance building, a facility for arriving transit buses and a bridge for cars and trucks to get onto the ferry and adjust with the tide.

Neighbors won’t see major construction work begin on the ferry terminal project until January 2018, Torres said.

Gregerson said the city is meeting frequently with ferry system officials to stay up to date on the terminal project. The City Council is scheduled to get an update Feb. 6. An open house will be scheduled a few weeks later, she said.

Planning for the new ferry terminal has been under way for more than a decade. The new terminal, scheduled to open in 2019, will replace the current terminal, which has been in use for more than 60 years.

The city is planning to build a waterfront promenade in conjunction with the new terminal project. The ferry terminal project will include construction of a piece of the promenade that goes through and over their site.

“It’s exciting to be at this point and really reclaim a useful part of our waterfront, but it will take some time,” Gregerson said.

The Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route is one of the busiest in the state’s ferry system. It was used by more than 2 million cars and trucks in 2015, the most recent data available.

The new terminal will be built near the abandoned Air Force fuel depot and the Mukilteo Sounder transit station.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.