The first construction phase for the new Mukilteo ferry terminal began with a bit of destruction Thursday.

The Washington State Department of Transportation launched the demolition of the 60-year-old oil tank farm pier Aug. 6.

According to a news release from the state agency, 7,000 tons of creosote-soaked timber piles are to be removed. The amount is equal to 4 percent of the total of creosote remaining in Puget Sound.

Several benefits are being touted for the new terminal, designed to be a multimodal facility to improve access to the ferries, transit and rail. The Clinton/Mukilteo ferry route is the state’s busiest for vehicle traffic with more than 2 million vehicles and 4 million riders boarding annually.

Another reported asset of the new terminal, which will be located less than a mile north of the existing site, is improved pedestrian access with a proposed overhead loading area for walk-on passengers.

Design of the new terminal, set to open in 2019, is underway and open houses for public input are planned for this fall.

During construction, the work area and surrounding waters will be closed to divers and other recreational users.