Guemes Island Ferry Dock Repair Update
As part of a recent inspection of the Guemes Island ferry dock, engineers identified deterioration in several steel support components beneath the vehicle loading area. Out of an abundance of caution, the County implemented a temporary 5-ton (10,000-pound GVWR) vehicle weight restriction while engineers and contractors evaluate repair options and develop a long-term solution.
County staff met this week with the consulting engineers and contractor to review repair alternatives and determine the safest, most durable, and most efficient path forward. The engineering team is currently evaluating repair approaches and is expected to provide recommendations in the coming week. Once those recommendations are received, the contractor will develop cost estimates and a construction schedule.
At this time, the project team anticipates that it will be three to four months before the repair work is completed. This timeline may be affected by fabrication lead times for specialized steel components, weather conditions, tides, and other site-related factors.
In addition to developing the permanent repair plan, engineers are evaluating whether there are safe interim measures that could allow an increase in the current vehicle weight restriction before the permanent repairs are completed.
The County will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven't repairs started yet?
Before construction can begin, engineers must determine the most appropriate repair method for the damaged dock components. Several repair options are being evaluated to ensure the final solution is safe, durable, and cost-effective.
Once the engineering recommendations are complete, the contractor must develop construction plans, obtain required materials, and fabricate specialized steel components. Because this is a critical transportation structure, the County is taking the time necessary to ensure repairs are designed correctly.
In the meantime, our County road shop and ER&R employees responded immediately to install steel plates on the Anacortes transfer span in order to restore vehicle service, under a weight restriction, as quickly as possible.
How long will we be operating under a weight restriction?
We do not yet have a firm date for when the weight restriction can be lifted. Current estimates indicate that the full repair process, including design, material fabrication, and construction, could take approximately three to four months.
However, engineers are currently analyzing the dock to determine whether the existing 5-ton (10,000-pound GVWR) restriction can be safely increased before permanent repairs are completed. If that analysis identifies a safe opportunity to accommodate heavier vehicles, the County will communicate that information as soon as it becomes available.
Until that evaluation is complete, the 5-ton restriction will remain in place to ensure the continued safe operation of the ferry service.
Key Next Steps
- Engineering recommendations are expected next week.
- Contractor cost estimates and construction schedule to follow.
- Evaluation underway on whether the weight restriction can be safely modified before permanent repairs begin.
- Additional public updates will be provided as decisions are finalized.
High Winds Expected Over the Weekend - Service Disruptions May Occur
A gale warning is currently in effect for the Northern Inland Waters until 2:00 p.m. today, Friday, November 6. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a gale watch from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
Potential Impacts to Ferry Service:
- Delays or Cancellations: Strong winds and rough seas may result in sudden sailing disruptions or temporary suspensions of service for safety reasons. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.
- Difficult Boarding: Please exercise extra caution on the docks and slips, as high winds and tidal surges may cause sudden vessel movement.
What You Should Do:
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate potential delays if you must travel during these peak wind windows.
- Check Live Status: Before heading to the terminal, verify current operations online or through official Skagit County service alerts.
- Monitor the Weather: Check the National Weather Service Zone Forecast (PZZ133) for real-time wind and sea state updates.
Ferry Ticket Sales Holiday Schedule and Office Hours
Mount Vernon Ferry Ticket Sales Office – 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
As the holiday season approaches, we are making temporary adjustments to cash ticket sales availability at the Mount Vernon office to help customers plan ahead for their travel needs while also providing our staff with the opportunity to spend time with their families. We encourage customers to purchase tickets in advance whenever possible and review the holiday sales schedule before visiting the office.
Holiday Ticket Sales Schedule
Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 25
- No cash ticket sales
- Credit card sales available
Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Mount Vernon Office closed
- No ticket sales
Friday, November 27 (Day After Thanksgiving)
- Mount Vernon Office closed
- No ticket sales
Christmas
Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
- No cash ticket sales
- Credit card sales available
Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Mount Vernon Office closed
- No ticket sales
New Year's
Thursday, December 31 (New Year's Eve)
- No cash ticket sales
- Credit card sales available
Friday, January 1 (New Year's Day)
- Mount Vernon Office closed
- No ticket sales
