Lummi Island ferry restricted due to storm damage at loading dock

HANNAH BOSTWICK - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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High winds caused significant damage to the Lummi Island ferry's loading dock on the island side Wednesday night, Nov. 18, resulting in shorter operating hours and weight restrictions for the next few days.

Operational hours for the ferry have been shortened because the damage made it impossible to carry vehicles below a five-foot tide level, said Frank Abart, Whatcom County Public Works director. Until the damage is repaired, only vehicles weighing five tons or less can use the ferry, he said. Most standard automobiles and light trucks weigh less than that.

Vehicles below five tons will be allowed on the ferry until about 6 p.m. Thursday, but only passengers will be allowed after that. Vehicles below five tons can use the ferry from 5:40 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. Friday, with passengers only after 7:40 p.m., Abart said.

Inspectors are evaluating the damage to determine how long the weight restriction will last. Updated schedule information for the weekend should be available Friday evening, Abart said.

The ferry stopped running shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday because high winds made operations unsafe, said Joe Bates, a spokesman for Whatcom County government. If major winds hit again, ferry operations will again be suspended, Abart said.

Power outages also were reported on the island Thursday. Puget Sound Energy crews are working to restore electricity.