WSF completed Level 3 screening and recommends replacing the terminal with a longer, narrow dock layout that holds between 124 and 155 vehicles. This dock footprint, based on the B Alternatives, improves operational efficiency and minimizes environmental impacts by moving the ferry slip to deeper water, providing a greater opportunity to restore eelgrass and macroalgae around the dock. WSF will continue to refine the footprint during environmental review.
As a reminder, WSF developed concepts that replace the terminal at a similar footprint as the existing terminal (Alternatives A, A-1, A-2 and A-3) and concepts that expand the terminal to provide more on-dock vehicle holding capacity (Alternatives B, B-1, B2, B-3 and C). Read on for more information about the Level 3 screening process and results. To learn more about the alternatives WSF considered, review the Level 3 Alternatives Summary (PDF 3.4MB).
Common features of terminal alternatives
All dock concepts follow WSF’s Terminal Design Manual and include these elements:
- Replacing the dock at the same location as the existing facility.
- Accommodating a total of 186 vehicles (one-and-a-half times the capacity of the Issaquah class ferries that serve the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route) in a combination of on-dock and Fauntleroy Way SW shoulder holding.
- Meeting current design standards to make sure the new terminal can withstand a major earthquake and raising the dock to accommodate rising sea level.
- Space for a large semitrailer truck to safely navigate through the terminal using designated holding lanes.
- Wider and safer lanes for vehicles and dedicated lanes for people walking, rolling, biking and driving motorcycles onto the ferry.
- Space for terminal operations, including storing materials, mechanical and electrical equipment, trash and recycling containers and parking for terminal supervisors.
- A new terminal building.
- At least two dedicated parking spaces to drop-off and pick-up passengers with disabilities.
- A larger toll plaza with two toll booths, a traffic attendant booth and staff restrooms.
- Minimal dock widening near the shoreline to minimize impacts to Cove Park and environmentally sensitive areas.
Community engagement
This section outlines what we’ve heard from the communities we serve.
WSF’s decision to advance a dock footprint based on the B Alternatives is the result of an extensive public engagement process. Since 2021, WSF has received more than 1,300 comments and hosted seven community meetings, 32 advisory group meetings, and two online open houses.
WSF heard from all three Triangle route communities through the PEL study. See a summary of community feedback in the “what we heard” graphic below.
