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Washington State Ferries has begun an eight-month reconstruction of the Shaw Island Ferry Terminal slip. The $6.5 million project, which will see some work in later August and early September, also includes ferry sailing schedule revisions and a closure, before service returns to the regular fall schedule in late November. Construction work will continue through March, 2004.

This badly needed project will replace the deteriorated transfer span, towers and wing walls, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the Shaw Island Terminal for the foreseeable future. The wooden trestle and the tollbooth will be refurbished; and the waiting area will be replaced.

To complete the work in a reasonable time and to control construction costs, a combination of reduced weekday ferry service and a four-day complete closure of the terminal is planned. The closure is tentatively scheduled for November 8-11, over the Veteran's Day, 2003. The reduced weekday service will be in effect from September 22 to approximately November 19. Weekday service during this period of time will be limited to two early morning sailings and six evening sailings. The weekend service during this time will follow the fall weekend schedule unless the contractor requests to continue work through the weekend in order to meet the construction schedule completion date. Residents will be informed three days in advance if a mid-day closure is expected on a specific weekend. (see communications below for details ).

Communications during Construction
Information and updates about the project and the ferry schedule will be provided in many ways. A final outreach meeting for Shaw residents is planned from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Saturday, September 6, at the Shaw Community Center. WSF personnel will be available to answer any last minute questions residents and interested parties may have.

During construction, WSF will post pertinent customer information at the Shaw Kiosk, located across the street from the post office. Information will also be provided through a link to the Shaw community website at www.shawislanders.org and or directly through the WSF website at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. Beginning in September, WSF will have a local message phone, 360-468-2568, where residents can hear the latest information concerning the ferry schedule or leave a message for ferry personnel. WSF personnel will check for messages twice daily and will return your call if requested.

Shaw residents are also encouraged to sign up for WSF e-mail notifications during the construction so they can be alert to changes in construction schedules, sailing schedules or weekend schedule changes. Sign Up for Email Alerts

Emergency Services
WSF is working with San Juan County to ensure that a contingency plan for emergency service is in place during the closure. More updates on the plan will be added to this site nearer the closure date.

Reducing the Disruption
The contractor, American Civil Constructors, Hurlen Construction, is working under a contract that encourages the contractor to complete the work within the time allotted. The contract includes financial penalties if the closure work is not completed on time, and requires the contractor to show need before requesting a mid-day closure schedule on weekend to complete construction work. Please avoid walking in the signed construction areas for your own safety.

Contingency Plans
WSF will closely monitor construction and if weather, or other conditions alter the construction schedule, WSF will work with the local community to make arrangements for residents to move on and off the island.