The ferry provides an important transportation link by connecting Ky. 91 North of Marion with Illinois Route 1 at Cave In Rock, Ill.
Based on the current river stage forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ohio River is expected to drop substantially over the weekend. Ferry operator Lonnie Lewis says if that forecast holds the ferry operation will avoid a service interruption.
“We, quite literally, were within a few inches of having to shut down the last two days. However, at this point, I’m optimistic the ferry will remain in operation. The key is getting through the next few days without major rainfall upstream.”
River levels were threatening to put water over the ramp at the Kentucky Landing. The Ohio River Gage at Shawneetown has held steady at about 39.5 feet the last two days. It is expected to drop more than 3 feet by Sunday. Lewis says that substantial drop will allow the ferry to continue serving travelers between Kentucky and Illinois.
The ferry normally operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. There is no charge to motorists at the river crossing. The ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day. The ferry is limited to trucks less than 22 tons.
