Several transportation and utility projects are advancing near the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, but their construction schedules differ substantially. At the Fauntleroy Community Association's November meeting, SDOT, Washington State Ferries and Seattle Public Utilities outlined street safety improvements, a ferry dock traffic signal and a creek culvert replacement, along with longer-term plans for a new dock.

SDOT's protected bike lanes are targeted for completion by the end of 2026. Preliminary pavement work is underway, while final design details remain unsettled. Plans include a three-way stop at Fauntleroy Way and Wildwood Place, two new crosswalks and physical barriers to separate cyclists from traffic and discourage vehicles from mounting sidewalks. The project follows several serious collisions, including a fatal bicycle collision in June.

Ferry passenger loading zones south of the terminal will move into the adjacent triangle parking lot, where some carpool spaces will become short-term loading spaces. Business loading areas and the bus stop between 45th and 46th streets will remain unchanged. When ferry unloading is busiest, SDOT expects vehicle backups. The agency says its modeling indicates those queues will not interfere with the intersection signal or ferry operations.

Washington State Ferries' new dock traffic signal is intended to manage vehicle loading and unloading and reduce reliance on paid traffic-control officers. Construction could bring up to eight weeks of traffic impacts, including alternating one-way traffic with daytime flaggers and evening detours. The signal will include a pedestrian push button. Seattle will operate the signal and set its timing.

The larger dock replacement is on a much longer timeline. Environmental review is expected to take at least two years, the project is not fully funded and no long-term construction schedule has been established. The replacement would remain at the existing location and accommodate both current 124-car vessels and newer 160-car hybrid-electric ferries.

At Fauntleroy Creek, Seattle Public Utilities is preparing to replace a deteriorating 24-inch culvert near 45th Avenue SW and SW Director Street with an open-bottom structure approximately 14 feet wide and 9 feet tall. The project is intended to restore fish passage and improve stream habitat. Early work includes moving overhead utilities underground and installing infrastructure for electric-powered bypass pumps.

The culvert project calls for a road closure lasting up to 24 months, with a planned start in late summer or fall 2027 after preparations are complete. Temporary traffic changes will include four-way stops at 45th Avenue SW and SW Director Street, and at California Avenue SW and SW Barton Street. Agency representatives pledged to coordinate construction and traffic management; SDOT and Washington State Ferries had met earlier that day to discuss reducing overlapping disruptions.