WSF continues to study options to replace the aging Fauntleroy ferry terminal. WSF is using a Planning and Environmental Linkages process that allows us to consider environmental, community and economic goals early in the decision-making process.
During this phase, the project team will use input from the community and advisory groups to refine the range of alternatives.
Review the Level 2 Screening Report (PDF 2.8MB) to learn more about the two alternatives advancing to the next phase of the project. The project team is using input from the community and advisory groups to develop detailed project alternatives.
Watch this video to learn about the challenges the replacement project aims to address and the next steps towards construction.
Project Milestones
- Fall 2016 - Launched a public process to gather community input on how to improve the “Triangle route”
- Fall 2017 - Near-term operational improvements at the dock
- Spring 2019 - Launched new sailing schedule for Triangle route
- 2019 - WSF releases 2040 Long Range Plan that recommends replacing Fauntleroy terminal
- Spring 2021 - Fauntleroy Terminal – Trestle & Transfer Span Replacement project starts
- Summer 2021 - Launched three advisory groups to advise WSF on options to replace the terminal
- 2021 to 2025 - Planning and Environmental Linkages study
- 2025 to 2027 - NEPA/SEPA environmental review
- 2027 to 2029 - Planned start of design and construction
Fauntleroy terminal was built in the 1950s and needs substantial preservation work. The terminal currently faces several challenges, including parts of the terminal are aging, seismically vulnerable and overdue for replacement. Rising sea levels could damage the superstructure from debris during high tides in the future. Long standing operational challenges include long lines caused by vehicles queuing on Fauntleroy Way and a small terminal with only enough dock space for approximately 80 cars and served by three 124-car Issaquah class ferries using a single slip.
Built in the 1950s, the terminal needs substantial preservation work.
This project relies on previous and future community engagement. The community engagement process includes three different advisory groups focused on the community, executive and technical aspects of the terminal. Input from advisory groups and the community will help shape the new terminal.
As WSF considers terminal replacement options, the project team will continue to engage its three advisory groups and the community.
Advisory groups
Washington State Ferries convened three advisory groups in summer 2021 to help shape the project during the planning phase. The advisory groups include representation from the three communities served by the “Triangle Route” (Fauntleroy, Southworth and Vashon Island) to encourage cross-community dialogue and the collaborative identification and development of project alternatives.
Community Advisory Group (CAG)
The CAG is comprised of people representing Ferry Advisory Committees (FAC), terminal neighbors, ferry customers, environmental and transportation organizations, and numerous other interests from the three communities served by the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route. The CAG provides feedback about project issues and concerns, community engagement efforts and potential alternatives. Following an open application process, we selected 24 members to serve on this advisory group.
Recent CAG meeting
Please email FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov if you would like to request recordings or materials from past CAG meetings.
- Ana White | Southworth resident
- Angus Macnab | King County resident/Vashon commuter student parent
- Anne Higuera |West Seattle business owner/Vashon resident
- David McDaniel | Fauntleroy and Vashon community member
- Devin Branson | Vashon resident and West Seattle commuter
- Emily Scott | Vashon Island Foodbank Executive Director
- Fletcher Sandbeck | Kitsap resident
- Frank Immel | Fauntleroy Community Association, FAC member, neighbor
- Gary English | Vashon community member
- Greg McKinnon | Manchester resident, daily ferry commuter
- Helen Westphal | King County resident
- Jon Wright | West Seattle Transportation Coalition
- Josh Gwynn | Southworth area community member
- Judy Pickens | Fauntleroy Watershed Council
- Justin Hirsch | Vashon Island FAC
- Larry Harala | Port Orchard/Manchester area resident, FAC member
- Mardi Clements | Fauntleroy Community Association, West Seattle resident near ferry
- Michelle McCormick | West Seattle and Vashon resident
- Richard Thorp | Southworth area community member
- Scott Harvey | Vashon resident, irregular ferry traveler
- Susan Frith | Vashon resident/former West Seattle resident
- Victoria Nelson | West Seattle Transportation Coalition Board Member, Fauntleroy resident
Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
Comprised of technical staff from municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, federal and state resource agencies, as well as local tribes. The purpose of the TAG is to provide technical input on existing conditions, the purpose and need for the project, alternatives development and screening criteria, and the overall practicability of potential concepts, solutions and/or mitigation concepts. The TAG will meet regularly throughout the planning phase.
Recent TAG meeting
Currently the TAG includes participation from:
- Squaxin Tribe
- Stillaguamish Tribe
- Suquamish Tribe
- King County Metro
- King County Wastewater Treatment Division
- Kitsap Transit
- Kitsap County Public Works
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- Port of Seattle
- Seattle City Light
- Seattle Public Utilities
- Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)
- Seattle Parks & Recreation
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Vashon Island Fire & Rescue
- Washington Department of Ecology
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources
- Washington State Transportation Commission
Executive Advisory Group (EAG)
Comprised of local and state appointed or elected officials, transportation agency leadership, federal partners and tribal leadership. The EAG provides advice and input on how to prioritize needs, represent their constituents’ interests, and share feedback on key policy elements and project alternatives.
Recent EAG meeting
EAG members:
- Leonard Forsman, Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe
- Sen. Emily Randall, 26th Legislative District
- Sen. Joe Nguyen, 34th Legislative District
- Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, 34th Legislative District
- Rep. Emily Alvarado, 34th Legislative District
- Councilmember Joe McDermott, King County Council District 8
- Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, Kitsap County District 2
- Councilmember Lisa Herbold, City of Seattle District 1
- John Clauson, Kitsap Transit Executive Director
- Ralph Rizzo, Federal Highway Administration Division Administrator
- Michelle Allison, King County Metro General Manager
- Patty Rubstello, WSDOT Assistant Secretary – Washington State Ferries
- Greg Spotts, Seattle Department of Transportation Director
Community engagement during Level 1 Screening
WSF hosted two community meetings and an online open house in May and June 2022 to share information on the project’s purpose and need, project alternatives and initial screening results. Review the engagement summary.
Share your questions and comments
Please share your questions or comments by emailing the project inbox at FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov. All advisory groups receive regular comment summaries of all comments received by the project inbox.
2016 - 2018 Triangle Improvement Task Force Process
In Fall 2016, WSF launched a public process to gather community input on how to improve the "Triangle" route. As part of this process, WSF convened a citizen advisory group called the Triangle Improvement Task Force, an advisory group comprised of volunteers from each community served by the route. In its first year, the Triangle Improvement Task Force focused on short-term operational changes to the Fauntleroy terminal.
In 2018, the task force focused on providing feedback on three of WSF's long-term projects:
This project is located at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in Seattle on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth "Triangle" route.
Based on results of Level 2 screening, WSF is developing a range of alternatives for two main options for replacing the terminal:
Replace existing terminal – WSF replaces the terminal at the same size and location as the existing facility. WSF will consider strategies to improve terminal operations including Good To Go! and advance ticketing policies, and other operational changes like intersection improvements and features to make it easier to walk, bike and roll onto the ferry.
Expand terminal – WSF replaces the existing terminal and expands the dock to hold additional vehicles. WSF needs to avoid or minimize permanent impacts to near-shore habitat and recreational areas, including Cove Park. Depending upon the final dock size, WSF may manage some vehicles along the shoulder of Fauntleroy Way. The project team will no longer consider widening the dock as shown in Level 1 to accommodate 186 vehicles. At a conceptual level, WSF will continue to evaluate potential benefits of additional operational elements such as overhead passenger loading and a second slip, though these elements are not included in the current project budget.
The first phase (2021 through early 2023) of the project is conducted as a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration per federal requirements (23 U.S.C 168 and 23 U.S.C. 139). The PEL study helps identify transportation issues, environmental concerns, community values and economic goals early in project planning. A detailed environmental review process follows a PEL study, as required by both the National Environmental Policy Act and the State Environmental Policy Act. Information gathered in the PEL study is carried forward into the environmental review process, saving time and money.
Rising sea levels impact the future of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
One of biggest challenges facing the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal is sea level rise. This project will include an extensive environmental review process and plan for future impacts to the terminal due to climate change.
