Avalon Begins Preparing Temporary Ferry Queues as Cabrillo Mole Terminal Replacement Advances

AVALON, Calif. — October 31, 2026. Avalon is preparing temporary passenger facilities as it moves forward with a major redevelopment of the Cabrillo Mole ferry terminal, one of Catalina Island’s most important arrival points.

The city’s official project page describes a replacement and expansion of the terminal, originally built in 1968, to provide improved passenger circulation, covered waiting areas, accessibility and security. The city lists a project budget of $24.5 million.

What happened in September

According to the September 18 city update, work was scheduled to begin September 21 on removing the planter area near Floats 4 and 5 and installing temporary decking to accommodate businesses disrupted by the project. The city identified Catalina Express, Catalina Flyer, Eli’s Island Deli and Blue Line Baggage among operations expected to relocate during construction.

Other preparatory work discussed by the city included temporary restrooms and offices and intermittent changes near Pebbly Beach Road and Knabe Park.

What ferry passengers should expect

The terminal replacement is not complete. The project website projects completion in December 2027, subject to change. Passengers should verify their carrier’s current check-in location and sailing schedule, which can differ from the city’s construction timeline.

Residents can review the plan and construction notices on Avalon’s project page. This report does not assert that any particular dock, shop or access road is closed today without a current notice.

Photograph: Cathy Poland / Unsplash. Avalon Harbor in August 2023, not the current construction phase.

Photo: Cathy Poland / Unsplash. Earlier view of Avalon Harbor; not evidence of current Cabrillo Mole construction progress.

Source: City of Avalon, Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Project, September 18, 2026 update.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Avalon News grow Help strengthen reporting on Avalon: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Avalon News

Choose how to support Avalon News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Avalon News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Avalon News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.