Local

New entrance for drive-on ferry riders at Colman Dock

SEATTLE — Ferry customers who drive their cars onto the boats need to know about a big chance before heading to Seattle's Colman Dock Monday morning.

The drive-on loading zone has moved six blocks south.

The former entrance at Madison Street and Alaskan Way that drivers were used to has moved six blocks south to South Jackson Street and Alaskan Way, closer to Pioneer Square.

Washington State Ferries says all vehicles, including medical priority, motorcycles and vanpools, must now use the South Jackson Street entrance.

WSF said drivers should use northbound or southbound Alaskan Way South to access the new South Jackson Street entrance. A traffic signal is at the intersection.

Crews had to move the pier for renovation work, and the change has caused some confusion, so WSF has brought in extra crews to try to smooth the transition.

There are no changes for walk-on passengers or bicycles and the Marion Street pedestrian bridge remains open.

Drivers, including ride-share and for-hire vehicles, who are dropping off or picking up passengers at the terminal will continue to enter from Madison Street and exit at Yesler Way.

The nine million people who use Colman Dock to take ferries to and from Bremerton, Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula will have a new dock when the renovation is done in 2023, but not until the $373 million facility is completed.

In the meantime, drivers will have to use the new entrance, which went into effect on Sunday.

Click on the map below for a larger view.