Historic Connecticut River Ferry Still On The Dock For 2024

GLASTONBURY, CT — The historic Glastonbury-to-Rocky Hill ferry still hasn't made a trip in 2024.

High waters continue to make it dangerous to operate between bad landing angles and debris floating in the Connecticut River, officials said.

Ferry season in Connecticut typically runs from April 1 through Nov. 30.

Connecticut Department of Transportation officials said the water levels will determine when the runs will start.

Each crossing takes about 4 minutes with the "Cumberland," a small tug and the "Hollister III" barge equipped to carry vehicles. The ferry is actually the continuation of state Route 160 between the two towns.
The captains make 70 to 80 trips a day at the height of the season.

The Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry is the nation's oldest continuously operating ferry service. The original ferry dates back to 1655. Back then, it was privately operated under a state services agreement and pushed across the river using long poles. It was then powered by a horse on a treadmill in the center of the craft.

In 1876, state officials tell us, the ferry system was "modernized" with a steam-driven craft.
The system evolved into today's barge and tug.