Date:  Friday, October 23, 2009

Contact: Susan Harris-Huether, Customer Information Manager, 206-515-3460

SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) will implement a two-week temporary revised schedule on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth ferry route beginning Monday, November 2. Customers should expect delays during those two weeks as construction crews work to build new dolphins (offshore structures that help guide the ferry) at the Vashon Island terminal.

From Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 15, Manson Construction will replace two 20-year-old dolphins and install three new dolphins at the Vashon Island terminal. This work will close slip 1 and impact the ferry schedule for two weeks. Work will occur daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be a slight impact on the weekday schedule for Vashon customers and a significant impact on the schedule for the entire route for the weekends of November 7-8 and November 14-15. Temporary schedule bulletins are available on the vessels and at the terminals, or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedule and select a date from November 2-15 to view the temporary schedule. While there are no specific weekday impacts for Southworth customers, all customers using the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route should expect delays during this project.

WSF recommends that drivers leaving Vashon Island arrive at the terminal at least 20 minutes in advance. Walk-on passengers are advised to dress appropriately because slip 2 has no protection from the elements. An umbrella or a hat will offer some protection, as will rubber-soled shoes. All customers should stay alert and pay attention to the traffic attendants. WSF may revise loading procedures to accommodate construction vehicles.

This $2.1 million project is necessary to enhance terminal safety, preserve structures adjacent to the dolphins, and minimize the risk of service disruptions. Crews will be on site for about a month after the two-week slip closure, so customers should remain alert for construction activities at the Vashon terminal through mid-December. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/email_alerts.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing
5-1-1.

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