Ferry riders will have to endure yet-another closure of the Keystone ferry.

The vessel serving the route, the Steilacoom II, will be removed from service this weekend, Jan. 9 and 10, so it can undergo a United States Coast Guard mandated safety inspection.

“It’s disappointing,” Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said of the move, adding such closures are a situation the community will have to endure until a permanent ferry becomes available.

In recent months the Steilacoom II was pulled from service on two occasions to repair damage to the vessel’s generator.

Conard said ferry officials told her of the weekend closure several months ago. The inspections are taking place on a low-travel weekend. During the early part of the year, commuter traffic during the week is busier than the weekend traffic.

The inspection and maintenance work on the Steilacoom II usually takes two weeks. However, this weekend’s inspection will take two days and maintenance needed will be performed during the evenings.

Conard said she hopes the reliability of the ferry route will improve when the new ferry starts running in the summer of 2010. She hopes the new boat will be more durable, which would mean fewer delays for the beleaguered ferry route.

In the meantime, motorists wishing to travel to the Olympic Peninsula will have to take the lengthy trip around.

Washington State Ferries announced Tuesday that it’s offering ride vouchers for Port Townsend/Keystone Vehicle Multi-ride Ticket and Monthly Pass customers during the closure of the Steilacoom II.

To get a voucher, present a Port Townsend/Keystone Vehicle Multi-Ride Ticket at the Clinton or Kingston ferry terminal. The rider has to tell the ticket seller of their intention to use the Edmonds or Mukilteo ferry to get to their final destination. The ticket seller will scan one ride from the ticket and issue a voucher for travel through Edmonds or Mukilteo.

For more information, call 206-464-6400.