||| SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced the beginning of paving activity for a portion of Orcas Road, adjacent to the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. This paving effort is part of the current construction, to improve public and ADA access for the Orcas Island Ferry Landing and Terminal.
WSF sent the following information via ‘Rider Alerts’ on May 19: “The work is scheduled from Tuesday, May 23 through Thursday, May 25 and will reduce traffic to one lane. Flaggers will be on site to help navigate vehicles around the work. Traffic will reopen to two lanes on Friday, May 26 once the work is completed. Please note that this work is weather dependent and could be delayed due to inclement conditions.”
Stay Informed:
This project update was provided by WSF on the WSDOT website under Travel Alert Bulletins. The public is encouraged to sign up for rider alerts to receive direct notice of project news.
Project History:
This project is Phase II of Orcas Island Ferry Terminal upgrades. Phase I began in 2016 when WSF, with the support of San Juan County, installed ADA accessible ramps accompanied by a new retaining wall with walkways to and from the terminal, and a pedestrian pick up and drop off area. The first phase also remodeled the existing waiting room and ticketing structure with a better facility located on the upper floor of a county building.
In 2018 San Juan County continued the work WSF initiated and extended the new retaining wall, converted an existing industrial structure to a scenic viewing area, and constructed a ramp to expand public access to a larger portion of the Orcas Landing parcel, and relocated utility appurtenances which was essential to make way for Phase II of construction. Phase II went out for bid in mid-November of 2022 and the contract was awarded in January of 2023.
Project highlights:
- New angled parking spaces: four ADA-compliant, two general-use
- New curbs, gutters, and sidewalks around the parking lot area
- New stormwater infrastructure
- A new retaining wall that compliments the site’s existing elements with a familiar façade
