Cave-in-Rock ferry back to normal as floodwaters recede
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry has reverted to normal operating hours as of last week.
The forecast for the Ohio River indicates floodwaters will hold steady for the next few days, but Ferry Operator Lonnie Lewis is reasonably confident ferry service can continue on the normal operating schedule going forward.
The ferry normally starts service at 6 a.m. seven days a week. The last run from the Illinois landing is at 9:40 p.m. The last run from the Kentucky landing is at 9:50 p.m., daily.
The ferry connects Kentucky Route 91 with Illinois Route 1 across the Ohio River between Crittenden County, Kentucky and Hardin County, Illinois.
Floodwaters forced the ferry to halt service for several days last week, then fluctuating river levels forced the ferry to run 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a few days. Based on the updated river forecast issued Friday, the ferry is expected to be able to operate on the normal schedule as floodwaters gradually recede.
Commuters can check the ferry's operating status at www.facebook.com/CIRFerry.
To get traffic advisories and alerts on the Cave-in-Rock Ferry via email or text go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYTC/signup/13651 and click on the Cave-in-Rock Ferry Group.
You may also sign up for counties in Kentucky you regularly drive through or on any of the other specialty corridors you travel. Be sure to check your SPAM filtering to assure Gov Delivery is on your approved list.
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day, providing an economic link for commuters who depend on it to get to and from jobs.
It also serves as a tourism link between the Shawnee National Forest and the Amish Community in Crittenden County.
When the ferry is forced to close it turns a 10-mile trip between Cave-in-Rock, Illinois and Marion, Kentucky into a 60-mile detour.
The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is at Ohio River navigation mile point 881.0.
The ferry is operated by an independent contractor with joint funding from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Illinois Department of Transportation through a ferry authority.