Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Smoother Sailing in Kingston: The New SR 104 Traffic Management System

By: Kurt Workman

If you’ve driven through Kingston on a summer weekend, you might know of the "Kingston Crawl." 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.

To tackle this gridlock, we’re launching the SR 104 Traffic Management System. This project uses smart technology to keep traffic moving, clear the downtown core, and address ferry line cutting.

A yellow sign with black text that reads, "Ferry holding lane ahead in use when flashing".
Drivers approaching the ferry terminal should keep an eye out for this yellow advisory sign. If the attached lights are flashing, the ferry holding lane is active, and you must enter the ticketing lane.

How it Works

When lights are flashing on the overhead signs at SR 104 and Barber Cutoff Road, the system is active:

  • Follow the signal: Ferry-bound traffic will follow the traffic signal into a designated lane.
  • Take a pass: Stop at the automated dispenser and take your pass. If you leave the line after taking a pass, you will need to re-enter the line and take a new pass.
  • Wait for Green: Once the system detects space at the terminal, your light will turn green. Proceed directly to the tollbooths.

By holding cars further back, we are reducing idling in the Village Center, improving air quality, and ensuring that local businesses remain accessible even on the busiest holiday weekends.

Rollout Schedule

We’re rolling this out in two phases:

1. The Trial Run –

  • When: Every Saturday and Sunday in May, as well as Memorial Day, May 25.
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Note: Drivers may or may not receive paper tickets during this phase, follow the direction of workers on site.

A worker in a yellow hard hat and high-visibility safety vest points to a black ticket kiosk. The kiosk has a glowing blue rectangular faceplate with a button labeled "Push For Ticket" and a slot labeled "Take Ticket Here."
A worker demonstrating how to press the button on the kiosk to receive your ferry lane ticket.

2. Standard Operations

Beginning Monday, June 1, the system will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during these peak periods:

  • Summer Season: Daily from Mother’s Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
  • Year-Round: Every Saturday and Sunday.
  • Holidays: Daily during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

A Collaborative Effort

This project is the result of a strong, ongoing partnership between WSDOT, Washington State Ferries, Kitsap County, Kitsap Transit, and the Port of Kingston. We are committed to monitoring the system closely and continuing our work with local partners to improve the quality of life and travel for everyone in Kingston.

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