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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| SR 104 Traffic Management System in Kingston |
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.
Not clear where the waiting area will be - up the hill more? A bit of a map would be helpful, thanks
ReplyDeleteYes, please. A map showing where the ticket dispenser is relative to the waiting line, the legacy holding area, and the dock would be very helpful.
DeleteYes, please. May we have a map to the whole project and especially for the waiting area and how/where we queue up?
ReplyDeleteIf you're disabled, how do you get the ticket
ReplyDeleteIf you have a mobility issue that won't allow you to take a ticket, wait in line as if you took a ticket, then let the booth attendant know the reason why you couldn't take one.
DeleteAre motorcycles still allowed to just drive up to the terminal, or do they also need to wait in line now?
ReplyDeleteShel, motorcycles do not need a boarding pass and can proceed to the tollbooths.
DeleteShel, thank you for asking this!! I came here to see if they had this info listed.
DeleteSo if you have a round trip ticket do you go right to the toll booth?
ReplyDeleteRenee, no, a ticket is not the same as this boarding pass, which is required for all vehicles boarding a ferry at our Kingston terminal, whether they have a ticket or not.
DeleteSo then you need a ticket and a boarding pass?
ReplyDeleteYou don’t need a ticket as a passenger in a car leaving Kingston. Only the driver needs a ticket and a boarding pass between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. through Oct. 12.
DeleteYes I do know that, I’m the driver
DeleteHow does this work for the Medical Preferential Load program. We predominantly travel this route for medical appointments.
ReplyDeletePassengers with a doctor approved medical preference can go directly to the booth and don’t need a boarding pass.
DeleteGreat. Thank you!
ReplyDelete