PORT ORCHARD — The first step in a series of improvements planned to support the startup of Kitsap Transit’s fast-ferry service between Southworth and downtown Seattle began March 1 with the restriping of the Southworth Ferry Terminal’s parking lot.

The restriping will designate a bus staging area for fast-ferry passenger pickups and drop-offs in the northern section of the main parking lot, as well as reorient some parking stalls. Poor weather has delayed the restriping project over the past several weeks, Kitsap Transit said in a news release.

The northern part of the lot is closed Monday, will be restriped on Tuesday and reopened on Wednesday. The southern part of the lot is expected to be restriped on Thursday, depending on weather conditions.

Next, Kitsap Transit and Washington State Ferries (WSF) will establish interim and longer-term passenger holding areas for the new Southworth Fast Ferry service, including a tent next to the WSF terminal building.

Later, a new straight-in driveway entrance from Sedgwick at the southwest corner of the parking lot will be constructed, reducing traffic congestion for buses and cars exiting the terminal’s parking lot.