The Mukilteo ferry terminal will temporarily close for three extended weekends this spring for extensive preservation work, disrupting routines and halving the number of ferry trips as Edmonds becomes the new destination and departure point for Whidbey Islanders.

The Department of Transportation will close the Mukilteo Terminal Friday through Sunday on March 18-20, March 25-27 and April 1-3. During closures crews will work on the transfer span and apron that link the vessel and the dock, replacing mechanical and electrical systems that operate these movable components.

“This work is vitally important to the safety of the Mukilteo terminal,” said David Moseley, assistant secretary for WSF. “We also realize it’s critical that we get this work done with as little disruption as possible to our riders who need to get to work, to school or other important activities.”

WSDOT will provide alternate service between Edmonds and Clinton. The Edmonds/Clinton ferry schedule will have 17 sailings on Friday and 16 on Saturday and Sunday, compared to 37 and 35 respectively on the normal Mukilteo/Clinton route and schedule.

The crossing time between Edmonds and Clinton is approximately 50 minutes compared to about 20 minutes on the Mukilteo to Clinton route. The schedule is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/ferries/mukilteoterminal/preservation/MukilteoTerminalClosure.htm.

Customers can contact sharris@wsdot.wa.gov to set up temporary carpools so they will receive preferential loading. For information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/ferries/mukilteoterminal/preservation.

WSDOT will distribute the Edmonds/Clinton schedule and laminated Clinton dashboard signs at ferry terminals in February. WSDOT will also provide Clinton-bound customers information on accessing the Edmonds terminal to lessen traffic impacts.