Ferry Opening Delayed by High Water

GLASTONBURY, CT — The Connecticut River Ferry between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill will not be running this weekend because of high water, a state Department of Transportation official said Friday.

The ferry normally starts transporting vehicles across the river for the season on April 1.

DOT spokesman Kevin Nursick said the river is running about 5 feet above normal for this time of year. That makes the connection between the ramp and barge too steep for most vehicles, Nursick said.

The ferry will not be running on Mondays "for the foreseeable future" because staffing issues, Nursick said.

The water level on the river will be re-evaluated for Tuesday, Nursick 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 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.

Click here for schedule and fare information.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel