Dorena-Hickman Ferry Reopens with Restrictions
By WestKyStar Staff
HICKMAN, KY - The Dorena-Hickman Ferry resumed operation at 1:00 pm Wednesday. The ferry has been closed since June 23rd due to low water on the Mississippi River.
While river levels still remain low, the ferry is able to resume service, but will be unable to carry any semi truck traffic.
Captain Ed Floyd says recent dredging of the Hickman Harbor allowed the ferry to access the Kentucky Landing at current water levels.
“Work on the Missouri landing over the last couple of days has allowed us to resume service for passenger vehicles and smaller trucks. However, the low water will prevent the transport of SEMI trucks for the near future,” Floyd said. “What we need is widespread rain across the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.”
The river gauge at Cairo is at 8.65 feet today. River levels are projected to rise to near 10 feet at Cairo over the next several days. Floyd says that should allow the ferry to avoid the threat of further service disruptions.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects KY 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Missouri.
For more info on the Dorena-Hickman Ferry and a schedule of operating hours go to http://www.dorena-hickmanferryboat.com. Motorists can also check on the ferry’s operating status by calling 731-693-0210.