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Orcas Island Ferry Terminal Cracks Force County Emergency Declaration, Vehicle Limits
San Juan County declared a state of emergency after engineers found cracks in steel beams under the Orcas Island ferry terminal's transfer span, prompting weight and length restrictions that threaten the island's supply chain for roughly 6,000 residents.
San Juan County leaders have declared a state of emergency after engineers discovered cracks in two steel beams beneath the Orcas Island ferry terminal's transfer span, forcing vehicle restrictions that officials say are disrupting the flow of goods and services to the island's roughly 6,000 residents.
The county council issued the emergency declaration Tuesday, citing critical structural damage at the terminal. The restrictions, imposed by the Washington State Department of Transportation, bar vehicles longer than 22 feet or heavier than 8,000 pounds from loading or unloading at the terminal while repairs proceed.
Regular passenger vehicle ferry service is not expected to be affected, but terminal staff may deny boarding to vehicles they determine exceed the weight limit, officials said. Vehicles that are allowed to cross must travel no faster than 5 mph and stay on the east side of the terminal bridge â the left side when loading and the right side when unloading.
The cracks were found Monday in the steel beneath the transfer span, the structure that raises and lowers to meet arriving ferries. WSDOT said repairs could take up to two weeks. Crews plan to use bolted connections and steel plates instead of welding to speed the work, and a contractor was expected to begin installing scaffolding Tuesday.
High winds have created safety concerns with the scaffolding and could continue to affect work over the weekend, WSDOT said Friday. Crews also found additional damage to other parts of the bridge.
Washington State Ferries is developing a repair plan and determining how long it will take to obtain needed parts. Engineers are also evaluating whether the vehicle restrictions can be adjusted once initial repairs are complete. An update is expected Monday.
The county said the restrictions will disrupt Orcas Island businesses and organizations that rely on ferry service to move goods. Several commercial barge operators are increasing capacity, with priority for essential goods such as food, medical supplies, fuel, sanitation supplies, mail, and packages. Businesses needing transportation assistance should contact barge operators directly.
County officials also urged residents to use caution between Eastsound and Olga, where commercial truck traffic is expected to increase.
Orcas Island is the largest and hilliest of the San Juan Islands, according to the county, making ferry access a lifeline for its residents and economy.