||| FROM PATTY RUBSTELLO for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||
International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Annual Meeting & Exhibition
I just returned from the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association 90th Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Austin, Texas. The event is for tolling professionals around the world to gather, share knowledge, explore new solutions and spark new business opportunities. In addition to networking with transportation professionals from around the world, I participated in a panel discussion on how to prepare for the impact of electric vehicles.
While serving as moderator for a panel discussion on electric vehicles, I shared our electrification efforts. WSDOT’s Alternative Fuels Program Manager Tonia Buell spoke on what we’re doing from a roadway perspective.
Fauntleroy project Community Advisory Group discusses Level 2 screening results
We met with our Fauntleroy ferry terminal replacement project Community Advisory Group (CAG) last night. The group reviewed the results of Level 2 screening of options to replace the aging, seismically vulnerable terminal. Two alternatives will move forward in the environmental review process. One would keep the dock at the same size as the current facility and the other would expand the dock to hold up to 186 vehicles. Both alternatives would be designed to minimize and avoid effect to the nearshore environment and nearby Cove Park. We are no longer considering widening the dock in the area around Cove Park. As planning continues, we will continue to refine the alternatives and do further environmental review on both options.
This screenshot of the CAG presentation shows the two alternatives we will continue to study for replacing our Fauntleroy terminal.
The CAG is one of three advisory groups providing us with input, along with the community, to help inform decisions and shape the project. The public is invited to attend all advisory group meetings. Our next Technical Advisory Group meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Advanced registration is required. Project-related questions and comments are always welcome via email. Recordings of recent meetings are available in the community engagement section of the project website.
Learn about upcoming roadwork on main route for Southworth terminal
A WSDOT fish barrier removal project on the main road in and out of our Southworth terminal is scheduled for summer 2024 that will affect traffic on State Route 160/Sedgwick Road near Long Lake Road Southeast. You can learn more on the work plans and provide feedback through Sunday, Oct. 23, at an online open house. There will also be an in-person open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Port Orchard Eagles Club (4001 Jackson Avenue SE), featuring the same information in the online open house. Attendees are welcome to join any time. Project team members will be available to explain the project, answer questions and take comments.
Fall sailing schedule starts Sunday, Sept. 25
We’re just three days away from switching over to our fall sailing schedules! The season change will bring timetable adjustments to our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route and minor tweaks to our Mukilteo/Clinton run in the early morning and late evening. On our Port Townsend/Coupeville route, Saturday, Oct. 8, will be the last day we sail the peak season 10 and 10:40 p.m. Friday and Saturday final round trip until next spring.
Lots of bicycles on our Edmonds/Kingston route Sunday, Sept. 25
We’re expecting a lot of bicyclists on our Edmonds/Kingston route Sunday, Sept. 25, for the 28th Annual Kitsap Color Classic. People boarding a ferry by vehicle should plan for delays and limited car capacity or consider alternate routes. Participants are asked to follow directions from our staff.
Hundreds of motorcycles on Whidbey Island routes Sunday, Sept. 25
The 39th Annual Oyster Run in Anacortes will attract many motorcycles onto our ferries Sunday, Sept. 25, especially on our Mukilteo/Clinton and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes. Motorcyclists arriving at our Mukilteo and Clinton terminals may be required to line up with all other vehicles and load on a first-come, first-served basis due to high demand. For those traveling on the Port Townsend/Coupeville run, a motorcycle reservation is strongly encouraged.
“[…] I’m in love with the person working today at the Bainbridge ferry terminal toll booth. They got us right on the boat and were so sweet to me and my doggie. I know things are really difficult right now so that was a very lovely surprise. Thank you!”
-Seattle/Bainbridge customer
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Thank you for sharing these ferry updates. However, they fail to address the community’s concern about the ferries, as there have been daily cancellations of San Juan Island ferries all week, adding to the tedious and unpredictable situation of trying to live on Orcas Island without a private boat or plane. I suspect if I-5 were closed intermittently throughout the day that there would be quite the backlash from taxpayers, and yet Orcas Island Residents have been subjected to this exasperating situation for months on end, with no resolution in sight. Unfortunately, this problem was exacerbated by the pandemic, but poor planning years before COVID19 has resulted in an intolerable situation.
What actions are our County Council taking to address the ferry fiasco? I propose that the Council hold a special public session with representatives of WSDOT to discuss their recognition of this problem and the need for a rapid solution.
Ferry fiasco. Truer words were never spoken. The ferry system needs leadership. No one wants to complain anymore because no one listens. The islands no longer have a reliable ferry system especially for the residents living here. I think we just throw our arms in the air and say, “what good does it do to complain?” Those responsible for the overall management claim it is only a minority group of “grousers.” I am not sure this is the case. Alex Mcleod’s September 16 opinion states that “sitting silently does nothing for island ferry service.” I can only hope islanders will not stop complaining until dependable ferry service is restored. The managers of the ferry system as a whole do not experience what we riders do on a daily basis. Everyone living on the islands needs to speak out. At least there will be a written trail documenting that people are sincerely concerned. Thank you Dr. Pullano for speaking up.
Re yesterday (9/22) ferry fiasco: I’m still waiting tor the notification that tells me i will not be charged for the reservations I could not/did not use yesterday. Nothing yet, though we were supposed to get notification yesterday. what should we do? I wish I had never let them talk me out of that line for the Tillikum! Now I have to subject my poor cat to travel trauma again – this time i will be prepared to camp. The least they could do in Anacortes is open the lots to people sleeping over in them again through the fall. We will need this!!!