The public is invited to learn about potential improvements to the ferry loading lanes at the Steilacoom ferry terminal during a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tues., May 22 at Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette St. in Steilacoom. Public comments are welcome. There are three loading lanes along Union Avenue. Potential improvements to the lanes include adding a ticket booth in between the loading lanes, installing raised crosswalks, and increasing lane capacity by closing Lafayette Street west of Union Avenue.

“These improvements could increase safety and make the ferry loading process more efficient,” said Deb Wallace, Public Works and Utilities airport and ferry administrator. “We invite ferry riders and the community to attend to share their ideas and comments.”

The Public Works and Utilities Airport and Ferry Division is in the process of reviewing potential improvements at this site. A final proposal, timeline and funding will be identified later.

The Steilacoom ferry terminal closed on Jan. 3 for a remodel that includes a renovation of the restrooms, updated interior finishes, new windows, new waiting room furniture, more efficient office space, Wi-Fi access and upgrades to the ticketing system, updates to the exterior column finishes and railings, and new energy efficient windows. The renovation also aims to improve energy efficiency to meet the 2009 Energy Code adopted by Washington State earlier this year. Bids opened on Nov. 10 and the project was awarded to Westcoast Contracting. The updated terminal is expected to be completed in this month, just in time for Memorial Day traffic.

The Pierce County Ferry System, which is operated by Pierce County Public Works and Utilities, provides service between the town of Steilacoom, Anderson Island and Ketron Island. More information about the system is available online at piercecountywa.org/ferry.