Orcas Island ferry service disruption | Oversized vehicles currently prohibited

Vehicle restrictions are now in place at the Orcas Island ferry terminal. Washington State Ferries does not yet have a definitive timeline for completing repairs or lifting the restrictions

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

San Juan County has been notified by Washington State Ferries (WSF) that a routine inspection identified structural deficiencies on the Orcas Island ferry ramp requiring immediate repairs.

As a result, oversize vehicles longer than 22 feet or over 8000 lbs will not be permitted to travel to or from Orcas Island by ferry until repairs are completed. Current estimates for restoration are unknown and WSF is prioritizing this critical repair.

Regular passenger vehicle traffic is not affected.

For the latest information, please refer to official WSF updates: https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/bulletin.aspx

This disruption will significantly affect Orcas Island businesses and organizations that depend on ferry service for the transportation of goods and services.

To help address these impacts, several commercial barge operators are increasing capacity to support affected businesses. Priority will be given to essential goods and services, including but not limited to:

• Food
• Medical Supplies
• Fuel
• Sanitation supplies
• Mail and package delivery
• Other critical supplies

Businesses needing transportation assistance should contact barge operators directly using the information provided below. Several local businesses have already secured alternate transportation arrangements.

Residents are encouraged to use caution when traveling between Eastsound and Olga, as increased commercial truck traffic is likely on local roads.

San Juan County recognizes the significant disruption and added costs this situation creates for Orcas Island businesses. The County Council will continue advocating for a rapid repair and exploring available state assistance for affected businesses.

Again, there is no anticipated impact to regular passenger vehicle ferry service during this repair period.

Barge Operators Serving San Juan County

San Juan Ferry & Barge: www.sanjuanferryandbarge.com

San Juan Marine Freight: https://sanjuanmarinefreight.com/

Island Transporter: www.island-transporter.com

Humpback Hauling (vehicles under 31 feet): https://humpbackhauling.com

Pintail Marine (Pintail is out of service until approximately 11/16): https://www.pintailmarine.com/