High Water Still Keeping Ferry at the Dock

GLASTONBURY, CT — The historic Connecticut River Ferry between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill will not be operating this weekend.

It is still stuck at the dock because of high water levels, state Department of Transportation spokesman Kevin Nursick said.

The high water also makes the connection between the ramp and barge too steep for most vehicles, Nursick added. Floating debris that gets pushed by the swifter currents makes even the short crossing tricky, he said.

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 ferry usually starts operating on April 1. Click here for schedule and fare information.

Photo Credit: CT DOT