WSF Makes Changes for I-5 Construction

[hergfest]

WSF is putting another round trip of the passenger only ferry during the I-5 construction, but the biggest news is that on August 12th the Kaleetan will be replacing the Walla Walla for more passenger capacity on the Bremerton run. Does this mean the Elwha will be back by the weekend?

[SS Shasta]

Could it mean that MV Walla Walla will move up to Edmonds as MV Tacoma is scheduled for painting/maintenance this summer? ;D

[Political Incorrectness]

Probably and most likely. Somehow I think this is going to backfire.

[hergfest]

Still have to have something to replace the Kaleetan in the Islands.

[SS San Mateo]

hergfest said:

Still have to have something to replace the Kaleetan in the Islands.

I'm guessing the Elwha will replace her (assuming she's ready for service by then).

Does the Elwha have a lower passenger capacity due to the top heavy issues brought on by the early 90's renovation?

[Barnacle]

As far as I know, the Elwha's going back into service this weekend. Barring complications. As for the passenger capacity, I remember something about that but I'd really have to check the COI before I'm willing to be quoted.

[In Washington]

The Kaleetan has been scheduled to come to Bremerton all Summer but the move has hinged on the Elwha being ready to return to service. The Walla Walla will be the replacement for the Tacoma's maintenance time.

Bremerton has just been lucky to have the Walla Walla longer than the original planned duration.

Apparently the Elwha has made it the needed number of days without any deal breaking problems and is ready to get back to the Islands. Barring any Inspection problems she is off to the North this weekend.

Saying that the Kaleetan is coming to give extra passenger capacity is not being truthful but it does make a good WSF news byte and sounds warm and fuzzy, but it would have happened regardless of I-5 construction... Don't tell anyone...

The downside is more real... 40 less cars every three hours. Bremerton's combined auto capacity is now about 235 cars with two boats.

[Political Incorrectness]

Another down side is that the Issaquah is out too? They need at least one spare so that we can have a three vessel entourage during peak times so that they can move vehicles off Bainbridge and Bremerton.

[SS San Mateo]

barnacle said:

As for the passenger capacity, I remember something about that but I'd really have to check the COI before I'm willing to be quoted.

I just checked the WSF website and it says 1076, but that may be the SOLAS capacity (a recent fleet guide brochure I have has SOLAS next to the passenger capacity) and not the max capacity when not being used on the international route.

[Barnacle]

That's the old SOLAS number, which I think has changed. Come on, man... WSF keeping ahead of website updates? ;D

[BreannaF]

It's not WSF, but I was snooping around for something else and found this tidbit of possible interest:

News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date: Aug. 2, 2007


Enhanced Elliott Bay Water Taxi service
offered during I-5 construction

King County Metro Transit and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will be enhancing Elliott Bay Water Taxi service on weekdays from Aug. 10-29 to help relieve traffic congestion that is expected due to the lane closures on northbound Interstate 5.

WSDOT will close several lanes of northbound I-5 at 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10 for up to 19 days to make critical repairs to the roadway and its supporting structure. Traffic congestion resulting from the closure is expected to be considerable. As drivers try to find alternate ways north, other highways and surface streets will also likely be crowded.

Backups eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge are likely to be significant for West Seattle residents and those commuting via the Fauntleroy ferry. The Water Taxi could be a good option for many people traveling from West Seattle.
Additional Water Taxi service includes:Additional Water Taxi service includes:

· One additional boat trip leaving Seacrest Dock in West Seattle on weekdays at 6:10 a.m.; for a total of five trips from 6-9 a.m.

· Increased capacity on each sailing from 149 to 250 passengers per trip.

· Two vans, instead of one, operating on each of the regularly scheduled weekday Route 773 shuttle trips serving Seacrest between 6-9 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. There is also regular bus service along Harbor Avenue Southwest on Metro routes 37 and 53.

For information about all the different transportation options during the I-5 construction, visit Metro Online.

[BreannaF]

By the way, Water taxi info is at transit.metrokc.gov/tops/oto/water_taxi.html

.....and a couple of quick & dirty pictures I took of it a few months ago: