From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 3 on May 7, 2009:

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A crowd of about 60 people gathered to watch history being made at the Cumberland River ferry near Turkey Neck Bend in Monroe County on Thursday, April 30.

A new ferry barge, the "Sloan", was delicately guided into the river with the help of some heavy-duty equipment, including a grader, tractor-trailer and dozer. The new barge has roughly the same dimensions as its predecessor, the "Sarah M.", but is a foot longer at 92 feet. It’s 18 feet wide.

The new ferry was constructed in about 10 weeks by Grandview Welding and Equipment Company, the only bidder for the $320,000 contract.

The old ferry carried passengers across the Cumberland River for more than 40 years. The Sarah M. will be dismantled and sold. The ferry has been operative for about 200 years, according to some of the local residents.

###

Photographs courtesy of the District 3 office:

Additional information from the District 3 office on May 22, 2009

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Many people are wondering why the new ferry barge at Turkey Neck Bend, in Monroe County, has yet to be put into operation. The answer is relatively simple.

"We’re not ready yet," said Chief District Engineer Greg Meredith. "The ferry was completed and placed in the river on April 30, but there was still a laundry list of things that had to be done before it becomes operational."

The first requirement was an inspection by the Coast Guard, which was completed in the first week of May. Other requirements include installation of various safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and life jackets. Navigational charts also must be placed on board.

"Getting the extinguishers and life jackets were fairly easy, we are working with the Coast Guard to obtain the navigational charts," said Meredith.

"We are also in the process of hiring additional deck hands," said Daryl Price, branch manager for project delivery and preservation. "The additional staff will allow us to have two crewmen on board 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

"We want to make sure that we can provide the best service in the safest way for the ferry passengers as well as for the crew operating the ferry," said Price.

###

Comments: [No Comments] -- [View/Post Comments]
[URL for This Item]