From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways District 1:

Dorena-Hickman Ferry Closed by High Water
River levels could keep ferry out of service until next week

HICKMAN, KY (January 27, 2010) – The Dorena-Hickman Ferry is closed due to high water on the Mississippi River. The ferry halted operations about 11:00 a.m., today, when floodwaters interfered with docking and loading of vehicles at the Kentucky landing.

Captain Ed Floyd says projected river levels are expected to keep the ferry closed until sometime next week. The closure could be extended depending on the amount of precipitation that moves across the upper Mississippi and Ohio River valleys in the next few days.

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects KY 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Missouri.

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry provides regular river crossings during daylight hours. Passage for passenger vehicles is $12 with additional tolls for trucks, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers.

We will attempt to provide a timely notice when the ferry is able to resume service.

Missouri and Kentucky enjoy the geographic distinction of being the only border states that are not directly connected by a road or bridge. The only direct route between the two states is the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.

For more info on the Ferry and a schedule of operating hours go to www.dorena-hickmanferryboat.com . Motorists can check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210. To get email updates on the ferry send a note to keith.todd@ky.gov  with “Dorena-Hickman Ferry Info” in the subject line.

The ferry operates with support funding from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and local government agencies through the Mississippi County Port Authority.