Repairs in late October will require no vehicle traffic at Orcas ferry terminal for 3-1/2 days.

Washington State Ferries (WSF ) will close the Orcas Terminal to all vehicle traffic for three and a half days this fall to accommodate a construction project to replace the apron hydraulic system and hinge system, and perform other structural work.

All walk-on traffic will be able to load and offload from all scheduled Orcas Island arrivals and departures.

Ferries will arrive at Orcas 10-15 minutes late to minimize the time the ferry will be in dock at Orcas Island, time not needed since vehicles will not be loaded.

The planned vehicle closure will start after the last sailing on Monday, Oct. 22 and end midday, Friday, Oct. 26, 2012.

WSF will provide free parking spaces in the Anacortes Terminal upper parking lot for Orcas drivers who are pre-authorized and have a dashboard permit. ADA permit holders may use designated spaces near the terminal. Parking is available Sunday, Oct. 21 through Saturday, Oct. 27. If customers need extended parking time, please contact WSF Customer Service at 206-515-3460.

Customers interested in parking at the Anacortes Terminal during the closure should stop by the Orcas Terminal and fill out an application September 6-21. Permits will be mailed the week of October 8.

Please address questions to Susan Harris-Huether at sharris@wsdot.wa.gov.