Kitsap Transit moving forward with Annapolis dock upgrades

ANNAPOLIS — Contractors for Kitsap Transit are set to complete upgrades to the aging Annapolis ferry dock in the next few months.

A $4.5 million Federal Transit Administration grant awarded to Kitsap Transit in 2016 will pay for the project, which will double the length of the gangway and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

The 38-year-old Annapolis dock has been in need of fixes since Kitsap Transit purchased it from the Port of Bremerton in 2016. The project will replace the float, gangway and part of the pier, according to Kitsap Transit spokesman Sanjay Bhatt. 

Right now at low tides, the dock sinks and creates a steep incline on the gangway. During high tide, it's the opposite.

"That makes it very difficult potentially for folks who have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) needs to board or deboard the vessel," Bhatt said. 

Extending the dock means the gangway will be at a more modest angle, making it easier for people with disabilities to access the ferry. Larger vessels will now be able to dock at Annapolis because the float will be in deeper water, Bhatt said. The new gangway will be 120 feet long, up from 60 feet. 

Instead of solid concrete, the new gangway and float will be made of grated material, allowing light to pass through to the water below.

"It's actually better for the environment because the type of dock materials will mean less shading for aquatic life," Bhatt said.

Kitsap Transit's match for the grant is around $400,000, for a total project cost of $4.9 million.

Work on the renovations began in early December and is expected to last through March. Contractor American Construction company is almost done installing piles and is on track to begin work on the pier and dock in the next few weeks, Bhatt said.

Foot ferry service between Annapolis and Bremerton is closed during construction. During the closure, Kitsap Transit is running two ferries on the Port Orchard route every 15 minutes during commute hours. 

Kitsap Transit has made several changes to Route 81 to accommodate riders who usually take the Annapolis ferry:

• Route 91 Express trips that begin at the Port Orchard Armory Park & Ride will also serve the Annapolis Park & Ride before going to the Port Orchard ferry dock. All current stops will leave five minutes earlier in the morning and depart the Port Orchard ferry every 15 minutes in the evening.
• The regular Route 81 (AM) will serve First Lutheran Church along Mitchell Avenue to Bay Street and then to the Port Orchard Ferry Dock, similar to Route 8. 
• The Annapolis Park & Ride will be open during construction, but approximately 10 parking stalls will be unavailable. 

To see a complete list of bus routes serving the Annapolis dock and ferry schedule changes, visit Kitsap Transit's website.