If you’ve ever been annoyed with ferry line cutters, you’re not alone, and WSDOT is rolling out a new system to address it in Kingston.
KINGSTON, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has launched a new system for ferry boarding at the Kingston terminal that aims to improve traffic flow and keep people from cutting the line.
The system’s trial run began Saturday and will run through the end of May. The trial run will be in effect Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“As the second busiest route in our system, moving nearly 4 million people a year, the line to board the Edmonds ferry can paralyze the heart of the village,” Washington State Ferries spokesperson Kurt Workman wrote in an April 29 blog post.
Here’s how it works.
Drivers who are approaching the Kingston ferry terminal from eastbound state Route 104 should keep an eye out for a yellow advisory sign with flashing lights at Barber Cutoff Road alerting drivers that the system is in effect.
When the flights are flashing, a traffic signal before Lindvog Road will guide ferry traffic to a designated area. Drivers will take a ticket from an automated dispenser to hold their place in line. They will then wait for another signal that will turn green when it’s time to proceed to the tollbooths.
Drivers will then show their dispensed ticket at the tollbooth.
If travelers leave the line, they will need to collect a new ticket.
During the test period, WSDOT said drivers may not receive paper tickets, but they should follow the directions of WSDOT workers onsite.
WSDOT said by holding cars further back from the Village Center, it will prevent idling and improve air quality, as well as boost local business access.
After the test period is complete, the system is expected to be in effect during peak periods starting June 1. Those periods include the summer season from Mother’s Day through Indigenous People’s Day, on Saturdays and Sundays year-round, and daily during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
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