Road Closure for the Transfer of a Giant Vessel
This week, residents can expect to see a mighty ship making its gradual journey to the shore and across a local Freeland road.
A large barge, affectionately known as “Madison Bay,” will be gradually maneuvered onto land and across a Freeland road, which will lead to a temporary road closure. Starting at 8 a.m. this Thursday, East Shoreview Drive will experience intermittent closures from Cameron Road to Woodward Avenue. This is to facilitate the transfer of the impressive 286-foot-long and 76-foot-wide barge after essential repairs at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard, shared General Manager Nick Zustiak.
Once the Madison Bay has successfully been transferred, a second boat—the 167-foot-long and 42-foot-wide Victoria Clipper V catamaran—will then make its return to the shipyard. Traffic is expected to resume by 6 p.m. on Friday, January 10, as outlined in a notice from Island County dispatched on December 31.
The Madison Bay, weighing in at around 1,700 tons, will be carefully moved by a dedicated team of 12 to 15 workers using what Zustiak describes as “sausage-shaped airbags.” These multi-layered rubber bags will be strategically positioned beneath the boat and inflated, allowing it to roll forward effortlessly.
While maneuvering such a massive vessel utilizing these airbags can be a bit of a challenge, Zustiak reassures everyone that there is no danger of the boat tipping over during this process.
The lighter Victoria Clipper V catamaran will be relocated using hydraulic crawlers, along with the assistance of four to five team members.
County Engineer Ed Sewester mentioned that this marks the first time residents are being officially notified about a boat transfer and the associated road closure. There have been instances in the past where similar road closures extended beyond the planned duration due to unforeseen factors, which has understandably frustrated residents who prefer the road over the highway.
In response, Zustiak expressed gratitude for the community’s patience, emphasizing that the Nichols Brothers team is committed to working extended hours to reopen the road promptly, though this largely hinges on the safety conditions and tidal timings.
“Our priority is to minimize the duration of the closure,” he stated.
When a sizable vessel needs to be moved from water to land, timing is of the essence; there’s only a brief window to position the boat accurately over the airbags before the tide recedes and the boat settles. Additionally, setting the ramp level with the road using gravel or dunnage wood might require extra time.
Zustiak, who has been part of the Nichols Brothers team for over three decades, noted that such road closures tend to occur several times throughout the year. However, the frequency and length of these closures vary based on the specific projects at hand. To reduce disruptions, the company strives to schedule related transfers back-to-back.
Witnessing the transfer of large vessels onto land is indeed a rare sight, and Zustiak agrees it’s quite the spectacle. While it once drew more onlookers casually passing by, he noted that fewer people now stop to admire it.
For those interested in watching the transfer, it’s safe to view the activity from the park surrounding Freeland Hall or any other secure location within the designated road closure signs.
Nichols Brothers warmly invite feedback and questions from community members.
For further information, feel free to contact Nichols Brothers Boat Builders by visiting nicholsboats.com/form/contact-us or call Island County Public Works at 360-679-7331.
(Photo by David Welton) A man and his dog walk by a boat’s turbines at the boat ramp across the street from the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard in a photo taken in 2015. This week, a barge and a catamaran will be moved to and from the shipyard.