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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Woodland Ferry Resumes Service Temporarily

Seaford -- The Department of Transportation announces that the Woodland Ferry resumed service today, Tuesday, April 28, and will operate with some restrictions during severe high and low tides during daylight hours.

It is important to note that at some point in the next few months, DelDOT will need to interrupt ferry operations to allow for George & Lynch to make some modifications to the Bethel dock which will improve access for vehicles boarding and exiting the vessel. This work will resolve the issue of loading/unloading vehicles during high tides. It is projected that the ferry will be closed for a three week period to allow for this work.

Since its closure in late December 2008 due to various issues, DelDOT has been working with Chesapeake Shipbuilding and George & Lynch to make needed repairs to ensure the vessel operates properly and safely. In addition, a recent U.S. Coast Guard inspection occurred to ensure compliance with maritime operating procedures.

While the long term closure was needed to address hydraulic and thruster issues, DelDOT capitalized on the opportunity to make other improvements while the vessel was docked such as adding rubber rollers mounted on the side of the vessel to reduce the damage to the timbers during the docking process, as well as adjusting the cable system.

Safety being our top priority, DelDOT greatly appreciates the public's patience during the time the vessel has been down.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

These Ferry's are beginning to be a burden on many budget fronts. The costs to purchase and maintain is enormous. Maybe it's time to bring an end to the ferry era, they are nice but at a price and are we really getting our monies worth?

Those that live where they do will just have to get used to making the drive, the same drive they must take when the tide is too low. Get over it.