information from WSDOT

Two construction projects, one waterfront and very little space. The result, for ferry riders and people traveling near Colman Dock, is a change in routine starting Monday, Jan. 12.

All vehicles will enter the Washington State Ferries terminal at Colman Dock via Yesler Way as part of temporary changes being implemented by the State Route 99 Tunnel Project and the Elliott Bay Seawall Project. Terminal access will also shift for pedestrians, bicyclists and King County Water Taxi passengers and remain in place through May 2015. Through traffic north and south on Alaskan Way remains unchanged. Drivers exiting Colman Dock via Yesler Way may see some intersection modifications this week as construction crews prepare for the Monday shift.

“Changes like this can often be challenging, but crews need more room to complete important work,” said Dave Sowers, Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program deputy administrator. “We expect there to be additional congestion at first, but conditions will improve as people adjust to the new landscape.”

Access changes

View a detailed map of the following temporary changes near Colman Dock:

· Drivers will turn left or right into the WSF terminal from Alaskan Way at Yesler Way.
o For southbound traffic, one lane of Alaskan Way in front of the ferry terminal will be dedicated to ferry access.
o A left-turn lane will accommodate northbound traffic at Yesler Way.
o Vehicles will exit the ferry dock onto Yesler Way or Marion Street.
· Pedestrian access through the Seawall Project construction zone will be maintained to the WSF terminal in two ways: the current pedestrian bridge at Marion Street, and at street level immediately west of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Street level access will be maintained at all times, although it will shift at various points during construction.

· Bicyclists will enter and exit the ferry terminal on the north side of Yesler Way via the shared-use path.
· King County Water Taxi riders will enter and exit via Yesler Way.
· Passenger pickup and drop-off (including access for people with disabilities) will be shifted to the west side of the roadway between Marion and Columbia streets.
· Taxi waiting areas are also available at the current location on the east side of Alaskan Way between Marion and Columbia streets. A new taxi waiting area will - be added on Marion Street between Alaskan Way and Western Avenue.

Drivers passing through the area should expect additional congestion near Colman Dock while travelers get used to the new configuration.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is the lead agency on the SR 99 Tunnel Project. The Seattle Department of Transportation is the lead agency on the Elliott Bay Seawall Project. Both agencies are working closely to coordinate work along the waterfront.