ROAD WORK ALERT: Drilling Monday for future traffic signal by Fauntleroy ferry dock

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(2024 WSF concept for Fauntleroy Way signalized intersection)

Though construction of the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement/expansion is still a few years away, one related project is more like months away – the stoplight planned for Fauntleroy Way where it intersects with the dock entrance/exit. To get ready for it, drilling is planned on Monday (June 16), and Washington State Ferries is circulating this alert today:

Washington State Ferries (WSF) will conduct geotechnical drilling to understand site conditions for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. The traffic signal will make it easier and safer for people driving, walking, biking and rolling to get to and from the bus stops, terminal and other destinations along Fauntleroy Way Southwest and beyond.

When will the work occur?
• Monday, June 16 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What can I expect?
• Construction noise, dust, vibrations and traffic.
• Travel and bike lane restrictions at the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. While crews are working, flaggers and a uniformed police officer will direct traffic through the intersection and to/from the ferry terminal. Please expect delays when traveling through the area.
• Large construction vehicles and machinery.
• Crews will use construction best practices to limit noise levels when possible.

Questions or concerns?
• Email: wsfcomms@wsdot.wa.gov
• Call our construction hotline: 206-402-8070 (staffed 24/7 during construction)

The next full update on the project is expected during what will be the final meeting of its WSF-convened Community Advisory Group, online at 6 pm July 9 (registration link isn’t available yet but watch here when it gets closer).

bolo June 10, 2025 (3:57 pm)

When driving on Fauntleroy, either N or S, but mostly S, I have been unpleasantly surprised by ferry disembarkers blurting out of the dock right into my path. As in close calls. Quite often, usually when no traffic officer is present.

So a traffic signal might be a good improvement there. But that concept diagram leaves me confused. I can’t tell what they’re planning. Somehow I missed the concept planning stages information?

JustSarah June 10, 2025 (3:58 pm)

Great news! I think this will be a solid safety improvement. Remember, if you’re not exceeding the speed limit around that bend, you shouldn’t be at risk of a collision. Just mentioning because that was the main concern I saw expressed when this was discussed 12-18 months back. People were right to point out that it’s a blind curve… So signal or not, they should be traveling at a speed that gives them time to react to a pedestrian, stopped car, stray dog, etc. Thanks! Also, any news on the Fauntleroy and Rose crossing?

k June 10, 2025 (4:54 pm)

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There’s a signal just after a blind curve coming up Olson Hill as it turns into Roxbury. I legit expected pedestrian fatalities, but the way they put the additional light on the left side so you know what you’re turning into was really helpful. The curve coming up to the ferry dock is less dramatic, but if people are really worried, that would be a solid option. Anything is better than what is happening now.

Kathy June 10, 2025 (4:22 pm)

Wow, I’m surprised they didn’t do this a long time ago instead of using people to control ferry traffic so many years. I just hope when they install this they don’t obstruct the sidewalks or bike lane with new posts.

North Admiral Cyclist June 10, 2025 (4:58 pm)

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The management of traffic at the ferry dock intersection has a bit of a dark story behind it. For years, WSF paid off-duty Seattle Police officers a premium to manage the intersection traffic. Kind of like you pay for protection if you own a mini-mart in the Bronx. Then a Kitsap legislator got wind of the sweetheart deals at the State ferry terminals and mandated in state law that the WSF traffic as the responsibility of the WA State Patrol. Of course, with the idea to save money and get the boats offloaded and loaded on schedule. Not sure how traffic is managed at the Fauntleroy dock today, as the traffic control officers don’t look like WSP to me.

D June 10, 2025 (4:56 pm)

I’ve always been surprised that they didn’t put one in decades ago (West Seattle person – since 1949)Just hope they do a decent job of programing it. Like only when a ferry is unloading.

Ppt June 10, 2025 (5:29 pm)

It’s about time !! Thank you – hope it’s get done.

Sbre June 10, 2025 (5:40 pm)

👍👍

Ppt June 10, 2025 (6:03 pm)

👍👍👍

AN June 10, 2025 (6:28 pm)

Thank freakin’ jesus, this whole sitch is currently such a cluster, both when driving the street and when coming off a ferry.

Susan June 10, 2025 (11:29 pm)

When the traffic light was first proposed by Ferries, they said that it would be on a car-activated timer, with probably 2 minutes as a reasonable period for waiting cars to get their turn. That would balance local and ferry traffic needs. My fear is that Ferries will take control of the signal when a boat docks, and completely empty the dock before allowing local traffic to go. I don’t mind mixing with ferry traffic, but I would hugely resent always being pushed to the end of the Ferry Flush. Ferries has been quite vague about that issue since. There’s one more/last Community Advisory Board meeting with Ferries. PLEASE lean on them to commit to equal timing for ferry and local traffic when off-loading boats! Thank you

Ferry June 11, 2025 (5:56 am)

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This was specifically addressed at a recent Community Advisory Group meeting. WSF has no intention to “completely empty the dock.” They had a very thoughtful strategy and I think all communities were on board with it. That intersection is a mess, and this new traffic signal will make it much safer. Let’s get it installed ASAP. Onward!
North Admiral Cyclist June 11, 2025 (6:19 am)

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I believe State law affords the City of Seattle the “control” of a traffic light in the city limits. That means the city has the right to control the light and set the timing. I believe the proposed light is legally under City control, both because Fauntleroy is not on an official state highway, but also because under State law the State only gets control of traffic lights at on and off ramp traffic lights for freeways. That said, the City and the State can “agree” to do whatever they decide. We need to let the City know we prefer city guidance, at a minimum, on the traffic light operations. The City and the State have a already worked this out at the Downtown Seattle Ferry dock, which has traffic lights at the entrance and exits.

Wendell June 11, 2025 (6:14 pm)

Currently, left turns to the north are taken from both lanes – this merge is mostly accomplished with cooperative drivers (other times with not much cooperation). The illustration shows the signal only allows northbound traffic from the left lane. I hope there’s a consideration in the planning to address drivers needing to switch lanes before reaching the intersection – to mitigate road rage and ensure bicyclist safety.