If you’re traveling to or from Orcas Island, there are some important vehicle restrictions to know about. Starting Monday, Nov. 9, we are limiting traffic across the transfer span after bridge engineers found cracks in two steel beams beneath it.
These restrictions are needed to keep the structure safe and prevent further damage while repairs are planned. They will stay in place until repairs are complete.
What drivers need to know
Only standard vehicles 22 feet long or shorter can load and unload at our Orcas Island terminal. Drivers must also follow two safety rules when crossing the transfer span:
- Slow down: Drive no faster than 5 mph.
- Stay to the east side: Keep left when loading onto a ferry and right when unloading.
Vehicles longer than 22 feet will not be loaded at the Anacortes, Shaw, Lopez or Friday Harbor terminals for trips to Orcas Island. Customers who already have reservations for these vehicles will not be charged a no-show fee.
What did engineers find?
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| Engineers found cracks in two steel beams beneath the Orcas Island terminal transfer span. The cracks were found under a wheel path where vehicles cross. |
The beams, called stringers, help support the transfer span. The transfer span is the movable part of the terminal bridge. It raises and lowers to meet the ferry so vehicles can drive on and off.
What's next?
Our employees and a contractor are working to get repairs started. We don’t yet know how long the work will take.
We know these restrictions may affect travel plans, especially for customers with larger vehicles. We’ll share more information as it becomes available, including options for getting larger vehicles to and from Orcas Island.
Thank you for your patience and for following these restrictions while we address this issue.