BREMERTON

A-FLOAT

The intent of the project was to provide cost-effective upgrades to the A-Float to provide a berth optimized for the Kitsap Transit Passenger Only ferry to Seattle, and an additional slip for use by WSF for occasions in which it uses a passenger ferry as backup to its existing auto ferry service to Bremerton.

The Bremerton A-Float is an arrow-shaped pontoon that provides two primary berthing slips on either side of the stem, and with a third smaller slip along the port side of the arrowhead. The float is used by Kitsap Transit to dock, unload passengers, reload passengers and undock in a total of five minutes.

The A-float is very similar in construction to the floating bridges pontoons located through-out the Puget Sound. It’s a 2,126 long ton, post tensioned concrete pontoon ferry dock. The A-Float was manufactured by Concrete Technology Corporation (CTC) in their Tacoma precasting plant. The pontoon was assembled from hundreds of individual concrete slabs that were erected in the CTC graving dock. The flat slabs were assembled like a three-dimensional jig saw puzzle, joints cast to join the elements and the entire pontoon post-tensioned together. The post-tensioning process results in a highly compressed concrete structure that is strong, durable, and extremely watertight.

The scope of work for the current effort includes development of a design package (architectural, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering designs and cost estimates) for interim intermediate vessel maintenance functions and hotel services, ramps, ADA transition, decking, fendering and utilities.  The work also includes installation of a secure, self-contained fuel tank on the uplands, assistance in developing the state-mandated Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application and other required permits, bid support and construction administration services.