Vancouver Island’s “most beautiful shortcut” will be cut short come May.
The Mill Bay-Brentwood Bay ferry route won’t run May 2 to May 31 as the MV Mill Bay is being retired after 50 years of service. The larger and heavier MV Klitsa is slated to begin servicing the route June 1.
Because of the ship change, terminal and berth improvements are already underway at the Brentwood Bay terminal.
Vehicles arriving to board the ferry at Brentwood Bay are not parked on the trestle but instead line up the roadway. One lane is open to vehicle traffic.
Vehicles offload the vessel and depart the terminal via this lane, waiting traffic will then board the vessel via the same lane, which is clearly marked.
Traffic controllers are on site to assist. Foot passengers won’t use the usual walkway as it leads through the construction zone. Major berth modifications will begin May 2 with service on expected to resume June 1.