The Rhododendron, the 48-car ferry that normally sails between Point Defiance and Tahlequah on South Vashon Island, experienced a mechanical problem March 1, and was pulled from service,according to the Washington State Department of Transportatino (WSDOT). The 87-car Evergreen State ferry operated on the route through March 2, but that vessel was returned to service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route on Monday. Beginning yesterday, and continuing through Weds., March 5, there will be no service on the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route.
“There is an internal hydraulic pressure leak in the pitch control boxes limiting control of the propeller,” said Scott Mullan, Port Engineer for WSDOT’s ferry division. “The good news is we have planned for this type of hydraulic problem and have the parts ready to do a quick repair.”
Vashon Island riders who normally use this route will need to take the ferry to Southworth and then drive over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or go to Fauntleroy and take I-5 South to destinations in Pierce County.
“We considered downsizing the north end of Vashon Island to a two-boat schedule, but the number of people impacted by this would be far larger than those who normally use the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route on the south end of Vashon,” said Steve Reinmuth, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Ferries Division. “We apologize for the impacts this will have on our customers and are doing everything we can to return the Rhododendron to service as soon as possible.”
WSDOT is working with the families of school children going to Tacoma to form emergency, short-term car pools in order to get the children to and from school. Other commuters who might like to form temporary carpools are encouraged to call Susan Harris-Huether at (206) 515-3460. WSDOT will update the Web site, the automated phone system, and via e-mail alerts so customers will know the most current wait time information at both Vashon and Fauntleroy Ferry Terminals. WSDOT is also working with local transit agencies to make sure they are aware of these changes. The agency encourages customers to plan ahead, travel early if possible, and avoid discretionary trips during peak travel times for this three-day period.