Long waits for ferry riders heading home from 4th of July – KIRO 7 News Seattle

It was a long journey home on the Monday of July 4th weekend for thousands of state ferry drivers.

In Kingston, waiting times were extended to three hours and some drivers had their journeys extended by closing the Hood Canal Bridge to sea traffic.

“It’s normal, July 4th is always busy and the line is long, but we don’t mind,” said Kyle Walsh as he waited in line outside Kingston for a State Troopers boarding pass.

During busy times, the soldiers hand out the passports to make sure no one cuts their way into the line.

In Kingston, people flocked to the business district while they waited for their ferry.

Waiting times reached two hours on Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island and Clinton on Whidbey Island.

Travel was hardest in the San Juan Islands.

The people who live on Lopez Island counted nearly 300 cars in line late Monday morning, and many weren’t expected until a ferry scheduled for the early evening departs.

An early morning sailing canceled due to a lack of crew and a nearly four hour boat breakdown set the tone for a day of frustrating delays.

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