Connecticut River Ferry Still Affected by High Water

GLASTONBURY, CT — The message on Friday from a state Department of Transportation about the historic Connecticut River Ferry was to the point — "Still closed ... high water."

That has been the story since April 1, the traditional seasonal opening day for the Connecticut River Ferry between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill. More rain this week and a continuously swelled river have made conditions lass than safe for the crossing, state DOT spokesman Kevin Nursick said.

The high water also makes the connection between the ramp and barge too steep for most vehicles, Nursick added.

The nation's oldest continuously operating ferry service crosses the Connecticut River between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury. The ferry dates back to 1655. The ferry operates on a tug-and-tow system with a small tugboat - the Cumberland - pulling a barge - the Hollister III.

The rig accommodates three cars and about 15 motorcycles.

The original ferry was a small raft pushed across the river using long poles. In 1876, the ferry was “modernized” into a steam-driven craft, DOT officials said.

The Cumberland was commissioned in 1955 and there have been three versions of the Hollister. The tug is propelled by a 6-cylinder John Deere engine installed two years ago, he said.

The floating debris that comes with a strong current could also make conditions unsafe, Nursick said.

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Even when the season begins, the ferry will not be running on Mondays "for the foreseeable future" because staffing issues, Nursick said.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel