Two-boat service will return to the Coupeville (Keystone)-Port Townsend route in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, state ferry officials announced Tuesday.

The new 64-car ferry M/V Salish will begin service on the route at noon on Friday, July 1, following a community celebration in Port Townsend on Thursday, June 30. Two-boat service will continue on the route until Oct. 10.

“I know how important it is to the communities to restore full service on the route in time for the busy holiday weekend,” said David Moseley, assistant secretary for the state Department of Transportation Ferries Division.

“This couldn’t have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of many people,” he said. “I especially want to thank the deck and engine crews for their role in bringing the Salish into service. We couldn’t ask for a better 60th birthday present!”

The Salish begins service with the noon sailing from Port Townsend on Friday, and WSF expects to begin taking vehicle reservations soon. An email alert and notice on the WSF website will notify customers in advance regarding the availability of reservations.