May 2008
- WSDOT is moving forward to replace four recently retired Steel Electric-class ferries with two 64-car Island Home style vessels.
- The 2008 Transportation Budget (ESHB 2878) provides $84.5 million to construct new vessels for the Port Townsend/Keystone route.
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Moving Forward
WSDOT is moving forward to build two new 64-car ferries for the Port Townsend/Keystone route based on the design of the Island Home, a ferry currently operating in Massachusetts.
Why does the ferry system need new ferries for the Port Townsend/Keystone route?
In November 2007, four 80 year-old Steel Electric-class ferries were pulled from service due to safety concerns, shutting down vehicle ferry service on the Port Townsend/Keystone route. The constraints of Keystone Harbor limit the ability to use a larger ferry on this route.
In order to restore service, Gov. Chris Gregoire immediately identified funding for replacement vessels that could be built as quickly as possible. In the meantime, Washington State Ferries is leasing a vessel from Pierce County until new vessels can be built for this route.
How does WSDOT know what vessel design is suitable for the Port Townsend/Keystone route?
In late February 2008, a group of WSF captains and engineers traveled to Woods Hole, Massachusetts to see the Island Home-class vessel in operation by the Nantucket Steamship Company. This vessel performed well in heavy weather conditions and is well-suited to the conditions on the Port Townsend/Keystone route.
Timeline
Advertisement and Contract Award:
August 2008
Design/Construction:
September 2008-Fall 2010
Vessel #1 in Service:
April 2010
Vessel #2 in Service:
Fall 2010
Funding
The 2008 Transportation Budget (ESHB 2878) provides $84.5 million to construct new vessels for the Port Townsend/Keystone route.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Hadley Greene
Washington State Ferries
Communications Manager
2901 3rd Ave, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 515-3913
PtTownsendKeystoneRt@wsdot.wa.gov