HomeMy WebLinkAbout081925 - Fwd_ Feedback on Potential Ferry Terminal Closures (2027)ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
FYI: 48-hour WSF service outage planned for March or April, 2027.
I will provide more details when available, but please let me know if you have any questions that might be addressed at this point so that they can be brought to WSF's attention (or,
attend an FAC meeting).
Tom Thiersch
Chair, Jefferson County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC), Port Townsend terminal
TomThiersch.FAC@gmail.com <mailto:TomThiersch.FAC@gmail.com>
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From: Teal, Tally <tally.teal@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:tally.teal@wsdot.wa.gov> >
Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Subject: Feedback on Potential Ferry Terminal Closures (2027)
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>
Hello members of the Clinton/Coupeville, Port Townsend, and San Juan Islands FACs,
In the spring of 2027, WSF is planning to upgrade the vehicle transfer spans at five of our ferry terminals. The mechanical lift systems at Anacortes, Coupeville, Orcas Island, Lopez
Island, and Edmonds terminals have been in operation for several decades and are at the end of their lifespans. Upgrading the vehicle transfer span systems improves safety for our crews
and reliability for our passengers. It also standardizes operations for our terminal and vessel staff who rotate among our terminals. Additional information is available in the attached
flier.
A portion of this work requires 48-hour service closures at three of the five terminals—Coupeville (meaning the entire Port Townsend/Coupeville route will be out of service), Lopez Island
and Orcas Island. This project also includes a partial closure at Anacortes, where the main slip will be closed for one week with minimal effect on service. Work at these four terminals
must be completed sequentially over five weeks in the following order: Anacortes; Coupeville; Orcas Island; Lopez Island. Upgrades to the Edmonds terminal are also planned, but do
not require any daytime closures, and the timing is not dependent on work at the other terminals.
WSF is proposing to complete this work in March and April 2027, with specific dates to be determined closer to the start of work. The proposed timeframe already considers: avoiding
busy summer and holiday seasons; avoiding weekdays to minimize impacts on commuter/school traffic (unless communities would prefer closures during the weekdays of spring break); fish
windows constraints; seasonal weather conditions; and contractor availability.
WSF staff will plan to attend your next FAC meeting to discuss the timing of these closures, as well as specific concerns or considerations around the closures and how to minimize the
impacts to your community.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Cheers, tally
Tally Teal (she/her)
Community and Legislative Liaison
Washington State Ferries
206.475.3893