Is there a ferry ride in your holiday weekend plans? Prepare yourself for a frantic Fourth.

Washington State Ferries is advising travelers that they will face a wait for a boat this Independence holiday weekend.

More than half a million people will use through Washington State Ferries’ terminals and vessels Wednesday, July 3, through Monday, July 8, officials said Wednesday.

The busiest sailings are expected to be in the westbound direction Wednesday, July 3, then eastbound Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, as travelers return from their Fourth of July getaways.

Good news for Bainbridge, though. The longest wait times for vehicles are likely to be at the Edmonds, Kingston, Mukilteo and Clinton terminals. WSF says those routes often have the highest vehicle ridership in the system on any given day. To reduce or eliminate waiting, riders may consider walking on or taking an early morning or late evening sailing.

Ferry officials also note that it is against the law to set off or carry fireworks aboard a ferry.

Smooth sailing for travelers on the Bainbridge Island-Seattle route will end once the boat docks in Seattle.

People driving onto a ferry at the Seattle terminal should plan for possible delays, officials said, due to several big construction projects on the waterfront, including Colman Dock and viaduct demolition work.

WSF says increased congestion, especially during peak times, may cause traffic backups getting in and out of the terminal, as well as possible sailing schedule delays.

Through Labor Day, uniformed police officers will help manage traffic during busy times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at South Jackson Street and the toll plaza entrance at Yesler Way.

The Bainbridge-Seattle route will operate on a weekend timetable on July 4.