DOTD announces Chalmette Ferry out of service due to emergency repair

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that service at the Lower Algiers/Chalmette ferry route remains suspended due to an emergency repair needed to the landing barge.

Maintenance crews have assessed the damage and were able to temporarily secure the barge, but damage to the screw jacks – the mechanism which adjusts and secures the vehicle ramp in position – must be repaired prior to safely resuming the transport of vehicle loads again. The department is considering multiple options, including having a vendor provide temporary rigging with hydraulic jacks to operate the ramp while the necessary repair is performed. The timeframe for resuming service remains unknown.

DOTD is also considering temporarily operating the larger vessel at the Algiers Point/Canal Street route to accommodate vehicles while the Chalmette route is out of service.

This morning, the barge broke loose from the mooring and drifted out into the river, causing the vehicle ramp to fall behind the landing barge. Significant repairs will be needed before service can safely resume.

DOTD will alert the public when final repairs are complete and service is ready to resume.

Travelers are encouraged to sign up to follow the latest status of the ferries on Twitter.com at Canal_Ferry and/or Chalmette_Ferry. Further information about the ferries can be found at www.dotd.la.gov/ferry/. For traffic information, dial 511 or visit www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).