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.”
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