CHOKEPOINTS

One design for the Mukilteo ferry terminal could draw ‘major complaints’

Feb 22, 2016, 11:02 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016, 11:04 pm

Drivers often complain of traffic while ferries load and unload, but that’s part of living in a ferry neighborhood, right?

Design plans for the new Mukilteo ferry terminal will be unveiled at two community open houses this week. One idea might cause some major complaints from residents.

Related: Battle brewing over Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll hike

The plan calls for taking away a southbound lane just off the ferry in Mukilteo. Two lanes would merge into one, before State Route 525. Those cars would turn left onto the highway into Mukilteo.

More than four million people traveled through the 60-year-old Mukilteo ferry terminal last year, and it’s the state’s busiest for vehicle traffic. The re-design will replace the terminal with a safer and more efficient facility that can better withstand earthquakes.

“We want to hear from the public at this critical point in the design process to ensure we consider the interests of both our customers and community members in the plans for the new terminal,” said Nicole McIntosh of WSF Terminal Engineering Director.

The public will have an opportunity to view and comment on the project. Staff will share an updated traffic analysis, and gather community input on future intersection improvements as well as pedestrian and bicycle access on State Route 525 approaching the ferry terminal.

Open house schedule:

&#8226 Clinton on Feb. 23

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Clinton Community Hall

6411 Central Avenue, Clinton

&#8226 Mukilteo on Feb. 24

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rosehill Community Center

304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo

The $129 million Mukilteo Multimodal Project will bring improvements to the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry route. The new ferry terminal features environmentally sustainable design features, separate loading for pedestrians and vehicles, and is located near the Mukilteo Sounder rail station. The new terminal is set to open in 2019.

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One design for the Mukilteo ferry terminal could draw ‘major complaints’