The MV MARTHA S's days are numbered now as the WSDOT gets ready to rework the terminals to fit the new MV SANPOIL.
www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2013/06/12_sr21kellerservicedisruption.htmKeller ferry route service to be disrupted for 5 weeks starting on July 8 for terminal constructionDate:
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Contact:
Al Gilson, Communications Manager
WSDOT Eastern Region
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA 99207
Service on the Keller Ferry route across the Columbia River in
eastern Washington will be suspended for about 5 ½ weeks beginning on
Monday July 8 for terminal construction. During this service disruption,
drivers will need to use alternate routes, such as SR 25, to reach
their destinations. Travelers can get Keller Ferry service information
by calling 5-1-1 or accessing the Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) website.
The replacement vessel now under construction requires that the
existing terminals be fit to the new boat. Because the new vessel hull
is wider and sits higher in the water, parts of the terminals and ramps
need to be rebuilt. This work requires the terminals and existing ferry
to be taken out of service. Ferry service will resume with the new
vessel on Wednesday, August 14.
“I realize this will be an inconvenience to drivers during the busy
summer season,” said Mike Frucci, Acting Eastern Region Administrator
for the Washington State Department of Transportation. “The work needed
to be scheduled after the school year ended, and coordinated with the
new vessel construction and summer river levels.”
The terminal contractor, Max J. Kuney Company of Spokane, has already
been acquiring materials and assembling some of the components in
preparation for the work. The job includes ramp and electrical
modifications to accommodate the new vessel as well as flotation
improvements and equipment that move the terminals up and down the ramps
to adapt to changes in the water levels. The ferry route is located on
the Columbia River (also known as Lake Roosevelt) and the river
elevation can vary as much as 80 feet during the year.
Assembly work continues on our new Keller ferry route vessel, the M/V
(Motor Vessel) Sanpoil. The contractor, Foss Maritime, reports the
pilot house is in place plus hull bead blasting and sealing is underway.
In addition, vessel electrical, hydraulic, and drive systems are
getting installed. The vessel will be put in the water in mid-July for
testing and crew training.
A special Christening ceremony and Tribal blessing for the new vessel
is scheduled for August 14th. Following the ceremony, the Sanpoil’s
inaugural sailing will take place and the boat will enter regular
service.
“We are delighted at the progress of construction and it has been
exciting to watch this vessel grow from just lines drawn on paper to the
graceful lines of the hull and superstructure,” said Mike Frucci. “It
is also a pleasure to have the Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Reservation on board as our partners in the construction of the new
ferry,” he said. “Without their help, this project would still be on the
drawing board.”
“The current vessel, M/V Martha S., has performed well beyond our
expectations for over six decades,” said Frucci. “We look forward to the
same results from the Sanpoil.”
The final run for the Martha S., will
be Sunday evening, July 7 after serving on the route for 64 years and 10
months.