After nearly a decade of study and debate, Washington State Ferries (WSF) has chosen a final concept for replacing the aging Fauntleroy ferry terminal, one that will nearly double its vehicle-holding capacity and reshape how Islanders move on and off the mainland.
A Long-Anticipated Upgrade
The Fauntleroy terminal is the mainland hub of the Triangle Route linking West Seattle, Vashon Island, and Southworth. First opened in 1957, the facility has long struggled with bottlenecks, aging pilings, and outdated traffic patterns. In 2016, WSF began exploring options to modernize the dock and improve operational efficiency while limiting environmental impact.
After years of community advisory meetings and design revisions, the agency announced this week that it will extend, but not widen, the existing dock to hold between 124 and 155 vehicles, compared with the current 80. That increase is intended to ease long lines along Fauntleroy Way SW and reduce delays for Vashon and Southworth travelers.
Balancing Growth and Environment
The 93 million dollar project has not been without controversy. Several members of the Community Advisory Group voiced concerns in 2024 about potential shoreline impacts and neighborhood congestion. WSF said the chosen design strikes a balance, expanding length rather than width to minimize effects on the near-shore environment while allowing more efficient loading and unloading.
For many Vashon residents, the Fauntleroy dock is more than a parking queue, it is a lifeline. Islanders depend on the route for work commutes, school travel, and emergency access. Delays or boat cancellations can isolate the community for hours.
“This project represents the most significant investment in the Triangle Route in decades,” a WSF spokesperson said. “We’ve listened to community feedback and focused on improving reliability without dramatically altering the shoreline.”
What Happens Next
Construction could begin as early as spring 2026, pending completion of environmental reviews and final design approval. WSF will host a Community Advisory Group meeting on Wednesday, October 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. to review its Planning and Environmental Linkages report, discuss improvements to the Fauntleroy Way intersection, and outline the next phases of work.
Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share feedback. Those interested can register through Washington State Ferries’ project page at wsdot.wa.gov.
For an island that relies on ferries for nearly every aspect of daily life, smoother loading and shorter lines at Fauntleroy could mean more predictable travel and reduced stress for commuters and visitors alike. The project also signals a step toward modernizing the state’s ferry infrastructure after years of mechanical issues and aging vessels.
Islanders who remember the terminal’s early days may soon see a new chapter begin, one designed to carry Vashon and its neighboring communities into the next half-century of Puget Sound travel.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
