You May Cross the Dorena-Hickman Ferry Again

Loaded SEMI Trucks may once again cross the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.  Water levels on the Mississippi River have returned to near normal levels following the summer drought that halted ferry operations for about a month earlier this year. The ferry was closed from June 23^rd to August 8^th due to low river levels.  When the drought conditions eased and water levels on the Cairo gage inched above the 10 ft. mark, the Dorena-Hickman Ferry resumed operations.  However, Captain Ed Floyd had to restrict SEMI truck traffic.“We had to restrict the ferry to passenger vehicle traffic and box trucks until we gained a few more feet of water,” Floyd said.  “We had to ask SEMI trucks to avoid crossing because the low water prevented the heavier trucks from crossing our ramps safely.  We’re pleased to be able to allow larger trucks to cross starting today.”

The river gage at Cairo jumped from about 12 ft. on Thursday morning to almost 16 feet early today.  The rise in the water level allowed the ferry to resume service for heavier trucks.

In addition to the one month shut-down for low water this summer, the ferry halted river crossings for a couple of days in August to allow a dredge to safely remove silt from the Hickman Harbor bottom near the Kentucky Landing.  While that dredging work gave the ferry some additional operating depth at the landing, chronic low water on the Mississippi River has continued to force the Dorena-Hickman Ferry to exclude SEMI trucks since August.

“At normal river levels loaded SEMI trucks can safely cross our ramps for transport,” Captain Floyd said.  “With water coming downstream from widespread rain caused by Hurricane Sandy, we believe river levels will be stable enough that SEMI trucks can continue to cross along with passenger vehicle traffic for the long term.”

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

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry normally operates from the Hickman Landing with regular river crossings during daylight hours.  Passage for passenger vehicles is $14 with additional tolls for trucks, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers. There are discounts for vehicles making return crossings.

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

For more info on the Dorena-Hickman Ferry and a schedule of operating hours go here.  Motorists can also check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210.