New Oak Bluffs SSA terminal debut set

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The Steamship Authority plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Wednesday, May 19, to dedicate the new Oak Bluffs ferry terminal. Ferry service will resume to Oak Bluffs the next day.

The ribbon-cutting is scheduled at 11 am, with an open house until 1 pm.

The $1.3 million terminal building was part of the third phase of the pier rehabilitation project. The terminal will have disabled access, improved bathroom facilities, and more room for passengers buying tickets.

The project was pushed significantly over budget when parts of the terminal building’s foundation collapsed in the middle of the reconstruction project.

“The removal of the stone rip rap at the back of the terminal building foundation and subsequent pile driving caused cracks in the foundation,” Steamship Authority general manager Wayne Lamson said. “Although we initially tried to save the foundation and make necessary repairs to the cracks, it was ultimately decided to replace the foundation on three sides.”

The original projected cost of the third phase of the project was $876,058. The unexpected problems with the foundation added about $457,000 to the cost, according to Mr. Lamson.

The entire third phase, including relocation and construction of the covered walkway, and improvements in the drop off and pick up areas cost $4 million. the entire project, which began in 1999, was priced at $14.7 million.