Cracks in ferry terminal cuts of Washington's Orcas Island

San Juan County is now under a state of emergency after structural cracks were found beneath the terminal bridge at the Orcas Island Ferry Dock. Washington State Ferries has issued emergency vehicle restrictions, which have cut off critical supplies to the island, leaving islanders bracing for shortages. What started as an unexpected safety restriction has escalated into a local emergency. Washington State Ferries says during a recent routine inspection, bridge engineers spotted cracks in two steel support beams beneath the Orcas Island transfer span. It's the movable bridge dock that connects the ferry to the dock. To prevent further damage and keep travelers safe, officials immediately limited traffic across the span. Ferry officials say right now standard vehicles 22 feet long or shorter can still use the terminal driving under five miles per hour and staying to one side. But vehicles longer than 22 feet are not allowed to load at the Anacortes, Shaw, Lopez or Friday Harbor terminals for trips to Orcas Island. Many of those oversized vehicles haul food, medical supplies and sanitation services now blocked from crossing the damaged transfer span. During the San Juan County Council meeting, officials signed a state of emergency declaration. The county warns without reliable ferry access, basic health needs and daily life are on the line as essential supplies stop moving. But WSDOT says engineers are moving fast. Scaffolding has been installed and crews are using heavy steel plates and bolted connections to finish the repairs. Officials say work could take about two weeks, but they are searching for safe options to allow larger vehicles to cross sooner. San Juan County Emergency Management says it's working with local business owners and barge operators to monitor supply lines until full terminal access is restored. WSDOT says customers who already have reservations for larger vehicles will not be charged a no-show fee.