Date:  Friday, May 30, 2008

Contact:
Susan Harris-Huether, Senior Programs Manager, Customer Information and Communications

SEATTLE – The WSDOT Ferries Division announced today that due to an emergent problem with a blown shaft seal on Pierce County’s ferry, the Christine Anderson, the 60-car Rhododendron will be replaced by the 34-car Hiyu a day earlier than expected on the Point Defiance/Tahlequah ferry route (South Vashon to Tacoma). The change in vessels, which will occur Sunday, June 1 instead of Monday, June 2, is expected to last for approximately two weeks while the route’s regular vessel, the Rhododendron, is on loan to Pierce County. 

The WSDOT Ferries Division will also add an extra mid-day sailing on weekdays, beginning Monday, June 2. This additional sailing will add a 12:50 p.m. sailing from Point Defiance and a 1:15 p.m. sailing from Tahlequah to help alleviate  traffic. Customers are also advised to plan ahead and to arrive at the terminal early while capacity on the route is temporarily reduced. 

On May 25, Pierce County’s ferry, the Christine Anderson, suffered a blown shaft seal in one engine. The Rhododendron will operate on the route from Steilacoom to Anderson and Ketron Islands while the Christine Anderson is in dry-dock for repairs.  During this time, the Hiyu will replace the Rhododendron on the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route. Pierce County’s other ferry, the Steilacoom II, is on loan to WSDOT and has been operating on the Port Townsend/Keystone route since February 9.

“I want to thank the Vashon community and regular users of the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route for their patience and resilience during this time,” said David Moseley, Assistant Secretary, WSDOT Ferries Division. “I am aware of the inconvenience that a smaller vessel will cause.” 

While the 34-car Hiyu is on the route, customers can expect longer wait times during busy commute periods.  Drivers are advised to arrive early and to use the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route, if possible, for travel to Vashon Island.  Travelers should also be aware that extreme low tides on June 4-7 may cause delays for vehicles with less than 14 inches of ground clearance.

“I am pleased that we have been able to find a compromise that allows both WSDOT and Pierce County to avoid service disruptions,” said Moseley. “Pierce County has generously helped us out by loaning us the Steilacoom II for the Port Townsend/Keystone route, so I’m glad we are able to return the favor while their other vessel is being repaired. This plan allows us to keep the Steilacoom II on the Port Townsend/Keystone route while loaning them a similarly-sized vessel, the Rhododendron.”

The Point Defiance/Tahlequah route will continue to operate on the regular summer schedule.  Customers are advised to check the Ferries Division website, http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/, for wait times and other updated information, or call 1-888-808-7977.

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