As part of the Washington State Ferries 2040 long range plan, the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal has been in the process of being updated and replaced. 

That work is set to begin in earnest in 2023.

Fauntleroy terminal was built in the 1950s and needs substantial preservation work. The terminal currently faces several challenges, including that parts of the terminal are aging, seismically vulnerable and overdue for replacement. Rising sea levels could damage the superstructure from debris during high tides in the future. Long standing operational challenges include long lines caused by vehicles queuing on Fauntleroy Way and a small terminal with only enough dock space for approximately 80 cars and served by three 124-car Issaquah class ferries using a single slip.

In addition to recommending that the state build new ferries immediately, the plan includes investments in terminal improvements to support more reliable service, a focus on new technology and strategies to improve the customer experience and manage growth. The plan reflects extensive input from ferry customers, the public and stakeholders, including nearly 900 comments. More than 7,500 people participated in 32 public meetings on land and on board ferries and in two online open houses over the last 18 months.

The planned updates will cost $93 million.

Public meetings on the project will begin in February according to WSF spokesperson Hadley Rodero.

See the complete long range plan here.

The SR 160 - Fauntleroy Terminal - Trestle & Transfer Span Replacement project will address the deficiencies of the aging and seismically vulnerable terminal in order to maintain safe and reliable service between West Seattle and destinations on Vashon Island, the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond. The Fauntleroy terminal was built in the 1950s and needs substantial preservation work. This project was identified in the WSF 2040 Long Range Plan given the preservation need and long-established operational constraints and inefficiencies of the terminal.

The Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle supports the “Triangle” ferry route, with daily ferry service between Fauntleroy, Southworth and Vashon Island. The terminal is an essential transportation hub for the region and served more than three million riders in 2019, including people who board ferries by walking, biking, driving and riding transit.

The first phase (2021 through early 2023) of the project is conducted as a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration per federal requirements (23 U.S.C 168 and 23 U.S.C. 139).  The PEL study helps identify transportation issues, environmental concerns, community values and economic goals early in project planning. A detailed environmental review process follows a PEL study, as required by both the National Environmental Policy Act and the State Environmental Policy Act. Information gathered in the PEL study is carried forward into the environmental review process, saving time and money.

Rising sea levels impact the future of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.

One of biggest challenges facing the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal is sea level rise. This project will include an extensive environmental review process and plan for future impacts to the terminal due to climate change.

Share your questions and comments

Please share your questions or comments by emailing the project inbox at FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov or calling 206-818-3813. All advisory groups receive regular comment summaries of all comments received by the project inbox.

Keep up with the plan and project on the WSDOT page here

https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/major-projects/sr-160-fauntleroy-terminal-trestle-transfer-span-replacement

See the videos below for an overview of the project and the most recent Community Advisory Group Meeting