ORCAS ISLAND, Wash. — Washington State Ferries (WSF) says normal vehicle loading and unloading has resumed at the Orcas Island ferry terminal. Weight and length restrictions have been lifted.
Restrictions have been in place since November 10, when WSF says cracks were discovered in the steel supports beneath the transfer span, which serves as the physical bridge connecting ferries to the dock.
Last week, San Juan County issued a state of emergency because of the needed maintenance. The issue made it difficult for people to get back and forth from the island to the mainland - including shipments.
Orcas Island Market had to find a captain to get their groceries to the island. The market shared images of a barge carrying a 70-foot semi full of 22,000 pounds of groceries.
Drivers will still need to use the east side of the transfer span for the next several days. Vehicles should keep left while loading and right while unloading, according to the agency.
“We know these restrictions have disrupted commercial traffic and appreciate the patience of Orcas Island residents and all customers. Thank you to our employees and contractor for their quick work in getting things back to normal,” WSF posted on Sunday.
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