Replacement of Edmonds Ferry Landing Device to Be Completed by Sept. 30

Construction begins today on the replacement of the last of the original timber/creosote landing devices at the Edmonds ferry dock.

The $1 million project will be completed by Sept. 30, said Washington State Ferries construction project engineer John Callahan.

The landing device, called a “dolphin,” will be replaced by steel. The other steel dolphins in Edmonds were put into place years ago. “We get about 30 years out of the timber structures,” said Callahan. “That is, is if they’re not damaged or the ferries don’t run over them.”

The old, inner timber dolphin, were constructed from telephone poles that were lashed together. Inner dolphins are smaller than outer ones, which are bigger and see everyday use, as ferries use them to pin themselves when they berth.

The new steel dolphin in Edmonds will last a lot longer and is mmune to rot.

“They are much more durable and springy, because they have rubber elements that absorb energy,” said Callahan. “The steel pipes are driven in, and have such strength that it’s like bending a fishing rod. They’re not creosote, which is a combination of insecticide and coal tar. It’s hard on herring—they lay on them, and it’s 100 percent fatality.”

There are still timber dolphins in use in Washington, but there are steadily being replaced by the steel structutures. The ferry dock in Mukilteo is set for a replacement. Outer dolphins are bigger and see everyday use, as ferries use them to pin themselves when they berth.

Callahan says ferry travelers should not see any delays due to the construction.