SOUTHWORTH — The existing Vashon timber ferry dock was constructed in 1957 and is at risk of collapse in the event of an earthquake.

Washington State Ferries is moving forward with upgrading the terminal to improve reliability and enhance safety, according to Laura LaBissoniere Miller, WSF Communication Office.

Miller said WSF will host an open house meeting March 10 in Southworth to share information about why this project is needed and what the community should expect during construction, including ferry sailing schedule and operational changes to accommodate construction activity.

The meeting is slated from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a brief presentation at 6:15 p.m., at Harper Church, 10384 SE Sedgwick Rd.

Construction is scheduled to begin in June and last until next spring.

The total project cost is $15 million. Funding is provided through a mix of federal grants and state funding.

The project will bring the entire dock up to current seismic code and allow access to and from the island in the event of an earthquake.

This project will retrofit the existing ferry dock by placing seismic braces at 10 critical locations along the dock and replacing about 200 feet of timber trestle with concrete supported by steel piling.

In the event of an earthquake, the main transportation corridor for Vashon Island residents will be better protected.

The ferry terminal provides a critical link between Vashon Island, the Seattle mainland and the communities west of Puget Sound.