WSF recently completed a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to evaluate a range of options for the new terminal. We looked at dock concepts similar in size to the current dock (A Alternatives) and larger dock concepts that hold more vehicles (B and C Alternatives).
We’re recommending a project envelope based on Alternatives B and B-3, holding 124 -155 vehicles on the dock, compared to 80 today. This longer, narrow dock design improves operational efficiency and minimizes impacts to the surrounding environment, including avoiding nearby Cove Park.
WSF is working to finalize the PEL study document. Once it's complete, we will link it on this site.
What’s happening next?
After publishing the PEL study, WSF will coordinate with the Federal Highway Administration to advance the project to National and State Policy Act environmental review. During this next phase, we will begin preliminary design, complete environmental review and permitting and seek funding opportunities. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the new terminal opening around 2031. Starting in Spring 2026, WSF will install a new traffic signal at the terminal entrance. WSF will also work on options for maintaining ferry service during construction of the new terminal.
- 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
- Spring 2026 - Begin construction of intersection improvements
- 2028 to 2031 - Planned start of design and construction
The Fauntleroy ferry terminal was built in the 1950s and needs substantial preservation work. The terminal faces several challenges:
- Aging, seismically vulnerable parts of the terminal are overdue for replacement
- Rising sea levels risk damage to the terminal structures from debris during future high tides
- Long lines of vehicles along Fauntleroy Way SW, with only one holding lane on the shoulder of southbound Fauntleroy Way SW to serve two destinations
- Small dock with capacity for about 80 cars serving three Issaquah Class ferries that hold 124 cars each
Built in the 1950s, the terminal needs substantial preservation work.
WSF engaged all three Triangle route communities and agency partners in developing and evaluating alternatives for the PEL study. We heard consistent support for:
- Replacing the aging dock with a reliable, seismically sound new terminal
- Minimizing impacts to the surrounding environment
- Building a terminal that operates more efficiently
This input informed WSF's decision to recommend a project envelope based on Alternatives B and B-3.
WSF will continue to engage Triangle route communities throughout the environmental review process. Sign up for our email updates to stay involved as the project moves forward.
Advisory groups
Washington State Ferries convened three advisory groups to help shape the project during the planning phase. The advisory groups helped represent the three communities served by the Triangle route (Fauntleroy, Southworth and Vashon Island) encouraging cross-community dialogue and collaboration to identify and develop project alternatives. We thank the members of the Community, Technical and Executive Advisory groups for their service to this project.
View a full list of prior advisory group meeting recordings.
Share your questions and comments
Please share your questions or comments by emailing the project inbox at FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov.
Intersection improvements at Fauntleroy Way SW
To support safe and efficient loading and unloading, WSF will improve the terminal intersection with Fauntleroy Way SW. This will make it easier and safer for people driving, walking, biking and rolling to get to and from the bus stops, terminal and other destinations along Fauntleroy Way SW and beyond. WSF is working with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to add a signal to the intersection. The signal will be designed and operated to balance the needs of neighborhood traffic, buses and ferry traffic.
Because these safety improvements are a priority, WSF will complete this work before the larger terminal replacement project. WSF plans to begin construction of the intersection improvements in spring 2026.
This project is located at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in Seattle on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth "Triangle" route.
PEL study project map and boundaries.
The Fauntleroy ferry terminal, pictured from Cove Park.
The creosote-treated timber piles that hold up the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
Vehicles queuing at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Traffic often backs up past the
tollbooth and overflows into the holding lane on Fauntleroy Way SW.
Officers currently direct traffic during busy times at the
terminal’s intersection with Fauntleroy Way SW.
Ferry-bound vehicles are seen queuing in the
southbound holding lane.
WSF completed the PEL study in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. The study helped WSF navigate transportation issues, environmental concerns, and community and economic goals to arrive at a preferred solution. WSF will build upon the PEL study as the project moves forward to the environmental review process, as required by both the National Environmental Policy Act and the State Environmental Policy Act.
Rising sea levels impact the future of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal is sea level rise. This project includes an extensive environmental review process and plan for future impacts to the terminal due to climate change.
Map showing the environment near the terminal.
During the PEL study, WSF considered important environmental resources and features near the terminal, including:
- Intertidal and nearshore habitats, including eelgrass and macroalgae near the dock (shown in green above), provide valuable habitat for salmon and other marine wildlife.
- A scour hole where the ferry propellor has eroded the seabed and created a raised berm around the end of the dock, preventing macroalgae growth.
- Fauntleroy Creek, which provides spawning habitat for coho salmon and coastal cutthroat trout.
- The aging dock is supported by about 430 creosote-treated timber piles and contains more than 1,000 tons of toxic creosote-treated timber—a known water pollutant.
- Cove Park and Captain’s Park offer public waterfront and green space access near the dock.
