The Liard River ferry, which connects Fort Simpson to Highway 1, has docked due to "unexpected mechanical issues," but it's hoped that it will be operational again within the week.
The GNWT Department of Infrastructure announced on July 9 that the ferry SA国际影视传媒� the M.V. Lafferty SA国际影视传媒� would close temporarily due to a problem with its propeller. However, after servicing, it was determined that the vessel is in need of "extensive work," and the decision was made to keep it moored.
New parts for the ferry are being flown in from Edmonton, along with "specialized technicians" who will aid local crews with the repairs.
"Our maintenance crew is working hard to get the ferry operational as quickly and safely as possible and we anticipate the work to be completed within a week," the Department of Infrastructure's announcement stated. "We understand this has been a challenging season and we appreciate your continued understanding and patience during this time. Please know that the safety of our crew and passengers is our top priority."
Until work is completed, the roughly 1,200 residents of Fort Simpson will have a much more difficult time coming and going from the community, and will have to rely on other means of transportation, such as charter flights.
Sergei Mjatelski, the owner of Fort Simpson-based Goose Flying Service, is not in the community at present, but said his business has been receiving "an increased amount of calls for flights" with the ferry out of service.
While the ferry will hopefully be operational again soon, more work will be required to ensure its continued and safe operation. On July 15, the Department of Infrastructure announced plans for essential dredging work between the two Liard River ferry landings, scheduled for Aug. 15 to Sept. 18.
The work, which will see a long-reach excavator remove roughly 8,000 cubic meters of rock and sediment from the ferry's route, is not expected to disrupt its shuttling of passengers, but the public will be advised if that changes.
