As Thanksgiving approaches, nearly 300,000 travelers are expected to quickly board the state ferries from Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 1, heralding one of the season's busiest travel periods. Those intending to travel by vehicle should be prepared for lengthy lines and potential waiting times at terminals, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest U.S. ferry system, is also gearing up for the winter season. Lessons from January's record freeze have honed the organization's strategy to endure extreme cold. Key infrastructural elements like water supply, sewage systems, and restroom availability are now more closely monitored for performance during sub-zero temperatures, thus facilitating a more rapid response to any winter-weather-related disruptions. In a statement obtained by WSDOT, WSF Director of Terminal Engineering David Sowers emphasized the readiness of crews, stating, “Our dedicated terminal and vessel crews work together throughout our fleet every day to make sure all parts of our ferry system are working.”
Additionally, ferry terminals have been updated to weather the cold. Improvements include the application of heat tape and the integration of freeze-resistant valves. As a contingency against restroom outages, portable toilets will be available. For customer safety, salt, deicer, and shovels, along with space heaters to prevent piping from freezing, are prearranged for use at the 19 terminals managed by the system.
Travelers aiming to navigate through the bustling holiday crowds may be wise to employ the tools provided by WSDOT. The mobile app and the WSF website offer features to smooth the transit experience. These services allow passengers to conveniently check sailing schedules, view live terminal conditions, receive service updates, and even strategically make vehicle reservations for specific routes. On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, changes in ferry schedules will occur on the Edmonds/Kingston and Point Defiance/Tahlequah routes, with other routes operating on weekend timetables, according to WSDOT.
For those driving to ferry terminals, anticipating traffic congestion and delays is a key part of planning. Real-time traffic information is accessible via the WSDOT mobile app or by checking the online travel map.
