WSF Restricts Vehicle Access at Orcas Island Ferry Terminal After Structural Cracks Discovered

WSDOT Limits Vehicle Access at Orcas Island Ferry Terminal After Cracks Found in Structure

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has introduced immediate restrictions on vehicles using the Orcas Island ferry terminal after engineers discovered cracks in the steel structure beneath the terminal's vehicle transfer span.

The restrictions took effect Monday, November 9, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice.

The discovery was made during a recent engineering inspection. Officials say the measures are necessary to maintain safe ferry operations while the structure is evaluated and repair plans are developed.

Vehicles Longer Than 22 Feet Banned

Under the new restrictions, only vehicles measuring less than 22 feet in length may load or unload at the Orcas Island terminal.

Vehicles measuring 22 feet or longer will not be permitted to board ferries traveling to Orcas Island from any of the following terminals:

• Anacortes
• Shaw Island
• Lopez Island
• Friday Harbor

Passengers who already have reservations for vehicles measuring 22 feet or longer will not be charged no-show fees because of the restrictions.

The rules also require drivers to follow additional safety procedures while using the terminal.

New Speed and Traffic Rules at the Terminal

Washington State Ferries has introduced two additional operating requirements:

• Vehicles must travel no faster than 5 mph while loading and unloading.
• Drivers must remain on the east side of the terminal bridge — on the left when loading and on the right when unloading.

The restrictions are intended to reduce stress on the affected structure and help maintain safe access for vehicles using the ferry dock.

What Happens to Larger Vehicles Already on Orcas Island?

The restrictions could create challenges for residents, businesses and service providers who depend on larger vehicles for transportation between Orcas Island and the mainland.

Washington State Ferries says it is working to determine repair timelines and identify options for larger vehicles that are currently on the island.

The agency has not yet announced when normal vehicle access will resume.

Ferry Travelers Should Check for Updates

The Orcas Island terminal is part of the Anacortes–San Juan Islands ferry route, which also serves Lopez and Shaw islands and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Travelers planning to take a vehicle to Orcas should verify its length before heading to the terminal. Those with vehicles measuring 22 feet or longer should make alternative arrangements until WSF announces further guidance.

Washington State Ferries says it will continue updating its travel alerts and the original notice as more information becomes available.

The agency has not yet provided a confirmed repair schedule or a date for lifting the restrictions.