Easing the burden of being a ferry town

  • Gary Haakenson<br>
  • Monday, March 3, 2008 11:29am

Last week, I held the first two of my neighborhood meetings, and a question came up at both meetings about the city’s plan to move the ferry dock. So often we’re immersed in long-term projects on a daily basis that we forget that the public may not be as aware of the details as we are. So here’s the latest on the Edmonds Crossing project.

This is a regional project intended to provide a solution to the operational and safety conflicts between ferry, train, automobile, bus, and pedestrian traffic in downtown Edmonds. We propose to move the ferry terminal to just south of the Port of Edmonds. The old oil dock was the original choice for the new ferry dock, but we have since moved the location to align with the Port’s southerly breakwater. This way we don’t cut Marina Beach into two parcels with a pier in the middle. The new location would house a train and bus station as well. State Route 104 (Edmonds Way) would be re-routed along the hillside under the Point Edwards development straight to the dock and holding lanes.

Washington State Ferries estimates the cost at $165 million. Currently available is $22 million with another $36 million obligated by the state, leaving the total “a little short” of target. The estimated start of construction is July 2012 with completion in June 2017. Along with the state, we continue to seek revenues from the federal government through our representatives and senators.

For those who would like more information, drop by City Hall and ask for Stephen Clifton, community services director. He has drawings, photos, and plans, and he can answer any question you may have about the project. He also can share with you the waterfront plan that connects the new terminal, the port, and the downtown shopping area. As for the old dock, don’t get your hopes up for redevelopment. Because of federal rules on shading and protecting eel grass, the old dock will be significantly shortened.

Moving the dock away from the foot of Main Street will eliminate the dangerous crossing between ferry traffic and train traffic. Because of the tremendous capacity to hold cars at the new dock, the backups of ferry traffic on Edmonds Way should be eliminated as well. The benefits of being able to catch a ferry, bus, or train at one location will make getting to and from Edmonds much easier. And the burden of being a “ferry terminal town” will be eased somewhat.

Gary Haakenson is mayor of Edmonds. Send comments to entopinion@heraldnet.com.

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