30 Jan Lighting Retrofits at Washington State Ferry Terminals

Lighting Retrofits at Washington State Ferry Terminals

When the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) set out to modernize lighting across ferry terminals throughout the Puget Sound, the goal was clear: improve safety and visibility, reduce long-term operating costs, and upgrade aging infrastructure without disrupting daily ferry operations.

As part of these efforts, the Lights Inc team was contracted to replace the existing fixtures and install upgraded LED lighting at 18 ferry terminals across the Puget Sound. From planning through execution, this project required careful coordination and an experienced electrical team capable of working efficiently in active, public-facing facilities.

The Challenge: Aging Lighting Infrastructure in Active Ferry Terminals

Ferry terminals present a unique set of lighting challenges. Many existing fixtures were outdated and inefficient, resulting in inconsistent light levels, higher energy consumption, and increased maintenance demands. In coastal conditions, exposure to moisture, wind, and salt air accelerates wear on electrical components, making reliability especially important.

At the same time, these terminals could not simply shut down for construction. Lighting upgrades needed to be completed while maintaining safe access for passengers, ferry crews, and terminal staff. Any solution had to balance performance improvements with operational continuity and strict compliance requirements.

The Solution: Safety-First LED Lighting Retrofits by Lights Inc

Our team evaluated lighting conditions at each terminal and replaced outdated fixtures with high-efficiency LED lighting built for heavy use and coastal environments. Work was carefully sequenced around ferry schedules and active passenger areas to maintain safe, well-lit terminals throughout the project.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, installations were tailored to the functional needs of each space—from interior waiting areas to exterior walkways and loading zones—while consistently following Lights Inc safety protocols and quality standards across all 18 locations.

The Results: Improved Safety, Energy Efficiency, and Reliability

The LED lighting retrofits delivered clear, system-wide benefits for WSDOT and ferry terminal operations:

• Improved visibility and more consistent lighting for passengers and staff
• Reduced energy consumption compared to legacy lighting systems
• Lower maintenance demands due to long-life LED fixtures
• Reliable performance in marine and high-traffic environments

Together, these improvements enhanced daily operations while supporting long-term cost control and infrastructure durability.

Why WSDOT Partnered With Lights Inc

Government and transportation facilities require partners who understand compliance, scheduling constraints, and the realities of operating essential infrastructure. This project reflects how Lights Inc approaches that responsibility: with clear communication, experienced crews, and a commitment to delivering practical, long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

As a certified MBE, SBE, and DBE commercial lighting contractor, Lights Inc is equipped to support public-sector organizations with dependable, compliant electrical services across Western Washington.

This project highlights several core Lights Inc capabilities, including:

• LED lighting retrofits for large, multi-site facilities
• Commercial lighting maintenance designed to reduce long-term service demands
• Interior and exterior lighting installation in high-traffic public environments
• Permit and compliance support for government and public-sector projects

Work With a Trusted Commercial Lighting Contractor

From transportation hubs and government buildings to large commercial properties, effective lighting plays a critical role in safety, efficiency, and daily operations. The Washington State Ferry terminal project shows how thoughtful planning and experienced execution can modernize infrastructure while keeping facilities running smoothly.

Contact Lights Inc to speak with a team member, schedule a site evaluation, or request a quote for your next commercial lighting retrofit.