Ti Ferry keeps running

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November 16, 2009

By LOHR McKINSTRY The Press Republican Mon Nov 16, 2009, 10:28 PM EST

DID YOU KNOW?

You can now view Calendars of Events for today and upcoming weeks? A complete and up-to-date list of local events is now available on every section of PressRepublican.com.

TICONDEROGA — Last-minute negotiations will keep the Ticonderoga Ferry running until the end of December.

The cable ferry's announced closure this past Sunday would have forced many commuters to take a two-hour detour through Whitehall to get to jobs in Addison County, Vt.

The Ticonderoga Ferry went from about 100 cars a day to 800 a day, running 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

For many people who live in southern Essex County, taking the Essex Ferry wasn't viable, so state and federal funds will be used to keep Ticonderoga operating, Vermont Agency of Transportation Outreach Director John Zicconi said.

"The Ticonderoga Ferry has become a critical link for those needing to cross Lake Champlain since the Champlain Bridge was closed in October. VTrans and the New York State Department of Transportation have reached an agreement with the ferry company that will allow the ferry operator to install winterizing equipment designed to allow the ferry to operate in colder weather."

He said the ferry service is seasonal and shuts down every fall.

"Lake Champlain is relatively shallow where the ferry operates, and eventually the lake is expected to freeze and prevent the service from continuing, despite winterization efforts.

"Also, snow and ice conditions on specific days could cause the operator to cancel or curtail service on short notice for either safety or mechanical reasons."

As a backup, free bus service will be established from Ticonderoga to the Essex Ferry if the Ticonderoga Ferry can't run, he said.

"The agreement does not assure service until the end of December, as Mother Nature may force the ferry service to close before then. VTrans, New York State DOT and the ferry company will make every effort to keep the Ticonderoga Ferry service running as long as possible."

A contractor will install a bubbler system across the lake at Ticonderoga so the water does not freeze and will create non-slip surfaces for the ferry ramps and deck.

All three ferries are now free and are being subsidized by the states.

FISHING RESTRICTED
Vermont officials said the Chimney Point Fishing Access Area under the Champlain Bridge is now closed indefinitely due to safety concerns related to the bridge.

Boaters and anglers can drive two miles south to the McCuen Slang Fishing Access Area, which also has a boat ramp and will be maintained during the winter for people going ice fishing.

Plans are continuing to create a free, 24-hour ferry service next to the Champlain Bridge. That ferry is projected to be running sometime in December.

E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com