EDMONDS, MAY 8: A heads up for those who take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, the second busiest ferry crossing in the system. A big change just got underway for that return trip from Kingston.
I happened to stumble upon this big change on Friday, May 1st, this pass Sunday. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) initiated its new automated kiosk system in order to reach the ferry toll booth. According the flier I received while ‘in line’, this new system is being tested throughout May on weekends and Memorial Day before it goes ‘live’ on June 1st.
How It Works
When the system is in operation, drivers heading to the Kingston ferry terminal on SR 104 will see flashing lights at Barber Cutoff Road, more than a mile west of the toll booths.
The operation time periods mirror those busy times not only during the peak travel season from May to October each day from 8 AM to 8 PM, but also that same 12-hour period on weekends during the off-season as well.
Those flashing lights at Barber Cutoff Road means you must get into the ferry queue line. After waiting perhaps 10 to 15 minutes, the line moved to a revised traffic signal at Lindvog Road where an automated kiosk was located. You pick up a ‘boarding pass’ that basically indicates you went through the ferry line.
The revised traffic signal will then let you know when you can drive to a ferry toll booth area by turning green. During my experience, the lines to the toll booths were only about 6 vehicles long at each booth, much shorter than usual. I handed the ‘boarding pass’ to the agent at the booth and paid my ferry fare. The total length of time from entering the ferry queue line to reaching a toll booth was just over 30 minutes.
Why This System
The Kingston ferry terminal has had a poor history of selected drivers cutting the ferry line. Some motorists will use back roads into downtown Kingston to cut in front of other drivers who have patiently waited their turn to reach the toll booths.
In addition, the extra traffic has created a great deal of congestion in downtown Kingston. So this new ‘boarding pass’ system is expected to open up the downtown area, much to the delight of businesses, and safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
No Pass? No Ferry
If a driver shows up at a toll booth without a ‘boarding pass’ from the automated kiosk, they will be turned back, and have to go to the back of the line and obtain that pass. Ferry authorities say there will be enforcement on that key step to get on the ferry.
For those with medical priority passes, they will not have to go through this new system and be able to move through the toll booths as usual. For cyclists and motorcycles, also no change.
Mother’s Day Weekend Weather
Mother’s Day is on Sunday this weekend. If taking the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, be prepared to use this new automated ‘boarding pass’ kiosk for your return trip.
The weather also looks quite promising for Mom with some sunshine to brighten her special day.
Following Monday’s early week warmth, cooler low level onshore flow from the Pacific Ocean developed, resulting in marine clouds blanketing the North Sound and Western Washington that at times broke up in the afternoons this week.
That morning clouds and afternoon sunshine regime is anticipated to continue Friday. Over Mother’s Day weekend though, the low level onshore flow is anticipated to weaken, resulting in shorter-lived and more spotty morning marine clouds and additional afternoon sunshine.
High temperatures Friday will generally warm into the 60s. Over the weekend, temperatures are expected to range from the mid-60s to mid-70s, a bit warmer than average. The average high temperatures for this early part of May are in the lower to mid-60s across much of the region.
Mom should also enjoy no rain in the weekend forecast. For all mothers, have a wonderful and special weekend with family.
