Also in the state budget: Traffic-control help returns to Fauntleroy ferry dock

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

The new state budget will restore funding for traffic control at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, according to City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. Ever since budget cuts did away with the help four years ago, it’s been a sore spot for terminal users, neighborhood residents, and people who travel through the busy terminal zone just south of Lincoln Park – more than 5,100 vehicles a day, in addition to hundreds of people on foot and on bikes. The new “transportation package” brings back $496,000 for use of off-duty law enforcers to “manage the loading and off-loading of ferry commuters,” according to Rasmussen’s announcement, which you can read in full ahead:

City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen applauded the Governor and the State Legislature for approving funding for traffic management at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle earlier this legislative session.

In a letter sent earlier this year, Councilmember Rasmussen urged the legislature to appropriate funding for traffic control at the ferry terminal. The recently adopted State Transportation Operating Budget allocated $496,000 for traffic management over two years. The funds restore positions that were cut from the state budget over the course of the last several years. Off-duty police officers will manage the loading and off-loading of ferry commuters.

When the Fauntleroy Neighborhood Association and former Southwest Precinct Captain Steve Wilske contacted Councilmember Rasmussen about the severity of the transportation safety issues around the ferry terminal, Rasmussen enlisted the aid of the state delegation of the 34th Legislative District. “I’d like to thank Representatives Fitzgibbon, Cody and Senator Sharon Nelson for their work in securing these funds to ensure safer traffic conditions at the ferry terminal,” said Councilmember Rasmussen.

Traffic volumes at the ferry terminal top over 5,100 vehicles daily travelling through a residential neighborhood and often conflict with vehicles and pedestrians traveling to popular Lincoln Park and the Coleman swimming pool during the summer. Between 2012 and 2014 there were 25 accidents that occurred within a few blocks of the terminal.

Drivers experience challenges with line-of-sight and congestion, which are compounded by the presence of hundreds of pedestrians, including students traveling to and from the Vashon Island School District.

“Restored funding for traffic direction at the Fauntleroy dock is critical for the safety of all who pass through the Fauntleroy neighborhood, ferry riders and others. I’m very grateful that our transportation chairs, Rep. Judy Clibborn and Sen. Curtis King, recognized the serious safety needs at this intersection and made sure to include this funding in the transportation budget,” said 34th District State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon.

“Traffic control during loading and off-loading of Washington State Ferries vessels will certainly function more efficiently while maintaining a safer and continuous flow of local vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Fauntleroy Way,” said 34th Fauntleroy Ferry Advisory Committee Chair, Gary Dawson. “Residents of the Fauntleroy community look forward to the restoration of this much needed service.”

patrick July 2, 2015 (1:28 pm)

This is a very frustrating intersection for both those passing through and for those unloaded from a ferry. I just do not understand why the system doesn’t bite the bullet and install a traffic light that would be controlled by the personnel in the ticket booths. This would not address congestion in the loading line but it sure could make it easier unloading the ferries AND provide some form of traffic control for those driving along Fauntleroy. This news items may be good news for now but note that it is for only 2 years and then we will be back to uncontrolled mayhem.

Craig July 2, 2015 (2:06 pm)

^ What he said. Logical. Do it right and be done with it for a decade.

HelperMonkey July 2, 2015 (2:07 pm)

glad to hear it. it’s like the wild west driving through there and just hoping you don’t get nailed by someone coming off the boat – they seem to think they have the right of way, and also cannot seem to understand that left lane goes left, right lane turns right. instead it’s two lanes of cars turning left into the same lane. it’s madness. now if we can just stop the ferry traffic from FULLY BLOCKING Fauntleroy way traffic at times that would be great.

Lisa July 2, 2015 (2:46 pm)

Back in November, I was driving from Arbor Heights north on Fauntleroy Way in front of the ferry dock on my way to my mid morning walk at Alki. An Islander who was disembarking didn’t look right, ran the stop sign and T-Boned my car. Luckily, both of us weren’t seriously injured. My car was totaled and I underwent 6 months of treatment for a back injury. I emailed the legislature, asking them to return a trooper to the intersection. I now slow WAY down and don’t give in to people speeding to make the ferry (which is a huge issue for me coming back south on Fauntleroy Way. There are some pretty aggressive tail-gaters when they’re in a rush!). I also drive with my hand near the horn, ready to honk when I get to the hairy part of the intersection, by the crosswalk. Who thought such a little intersection could be so crazy? I am so, so happy to hear they might get some one to help us out—but where were they when I needed them back in November?! BTW, The Islander who hit me was really nice and seemed to apologize with his body language, since he couldn’t legally have admitted fault. I hope he ended up to be ok!

Lori E July 2, 2015 (2:47 pm)

Actually, HelperMonkey, both lanes out of the ferry dock are marked for left turns. The left lane is left turn only and the right lane is marked for left or right turn.

Lee July 2, 2015 (3:18 pm)

I’d much rather see a traffic light than a police officer. The police have been capriciously enforcing the parking laws around that little parking lot by the intersection.

Those EV chargers are underused and it’s harmless to attend a charging car after 3 PM if the lot hasn’t yet filled with rideshare vans.

Jake July 2, 2015 (3:22 pm)

How many of the “accidents” within a few blocks of the ferry terminal are caused by the illegal U-turns made by vehicles traveling north on Fauntleroy to get into the ferry lineup. I know I’ve almost been hit a few times by cars pulling a U-turn along there.

HelperMonkey July 2, 2015 (3:51 pm)

LoriE, if it’s actually marked that way that is the stupidest thing I have ever seen. Two lanes of cars (each driven by a driver SURE they’re in the right of way) trying to merge into one narrow lane – I’ve seen so many near misses right there with cars nearly bashing into one another. It should be changed back – it used to be that the left lane only went left back in the day. (used to take the ferry all the time – I recall fighting to get into the left lane after exiting the boat because I needed to turn left) I know I should be long past shocked at the arse-backward way they do things there – but it’s gotten to the point that I avoid driving past the dock at most times of the day even though it’s the quickest route home for me. I really wish the state WOULD move the ferry dock to Terminal 5. Makes so much more sense than having it smack in the middle of a residential area. Traffic is being impacted every day in every way in that area – from the dock to the ferry line blocking a lane of Fauntleroy to the U-turning drivers who are so much more important than the rest of us.

J242 July 2, 2015 (4:39 pm)

$496,000 for two years? Why not hire 8 certified flaggers at an annual salary of $75k each to provide full coverage in two man teams? It would be cheaper and provide even better coverage to assist with traffic.

Coming from Alaska, I’ve never been able to understand why Seattle pays so much for off duty law enforcement to handle basic traffic issues instead of specialized flaggers for far less $. Sure, if there’s an accident the PD will direct traffic but if it’s a planned construction project, why not bring on flaggers?

Mark July 2, 2015 (4:51 pm)

I sat on several meetings at WSF about the request for a traffic light and basically its up to the city to install the light. WSF cannot step on the toes of the city. It was also asked about bringing a direct run to downtown Seattle which would remove some traffic from the West Seattle bridge and again, the city opposes it. If you want these things like a traffic light or direct connection to Seattle, then I suggest you start a letter writing campaign. I learned that letters are more effective than phone calls.

Mark

WSF Employee

S July 2, 2015 (6:55 pm)

LoriE is correct…left lane is left-only while right lane can turn left or right. I agree that this intersection is dangerous. Just a matter of time before a pedestrian crossing Fauntleroy to get to the north-bound C-line gets hit by a car.

Ron Swanson July 2, 2015 (7:21 pm)

The WSF agreed in a document with the city and neighbors it would never do anything to improve the terminal/increase capacity. Therefore, the logical solution of a traffic light will never happen.

Northwest July 2, 2015 (7:31 pm)

Have actually stopped while traveling southbound near this intersection when ferry traffic is unloading and just let drivers go sure I held up traffic behind me but letting a dozen or more drivers offload from the dock, why not? I try and practice this type of driving when prudent and think of others.