NYSDOT UPDATES NORTH COUNTRY RESIDENTS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS AND NEW TEMPORARY FERRY PROGRESS

ALBANY, NY (01/09/2010)(readMedia)-- As directed by Governor David A. Paterson, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) continues to fast-track construction of the new temporary ferry, in order to reestablish a consistent transportation connection between New York and Vermont across Lake Champlain at Crown Point.

"We are working around the clock to complete construction of the dock to be able to open the new temporary Ferry as quickly as possible, especially since the Ti Ferry was unable to obtain insurance to continue its service past January 3, 2010," said NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee. "New York State can not insure a private company, and since all the marine insurers approached by the Ti Ferry declined to provide insurance, the Ti Ferry is now uninsured and cannot operate."

Additional bus routes have been established to provide assistance to those who need transportation to Vermont for work or other business. Service was adjusted yesterday evening to depart the Essex Ferry dock at 6:00 PM. Beginning Monday, January 11, another early morning trip will travel from NY to VT; departing at 4:15 AM from the Sacred Heart Church in Crown Point. Bus service via Adirondack Trailways now runs to the Essex-Charlotte Ferry from various points in New York State including Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Port Henry (2 stops), and the Westport Fairgrounds. A revised bus service schedule is posted at www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge. For further information about the bus schedule, travelers may call Trailways at 800-858-8555.

The Essex/Charlotte Ferry remains open and is operating 24 hours per day. There is no charge for cars, small trucks and passengers on the Essex/Charlotte Ferry during this transportation emergency. Commercial trucks, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, or vehicles that haul them which are greater than 27 feet in length must pay a fee. A schedule may be found online at www.ferries.com.

"For the period of time from the closure of the Ti Ferry until the start of service on the new temporary Crown Point Ferry, bus service has been enhanced so that those who live in the area can get to work or to other destinations in Vermont," added Gee. "We know that this has placed an unavoidable additional burden on the people who live near and depended on the Lake Champlain Bridge, and we want to assure people we're doing working very hard to assist them through this difficult period."

Work continues on both sides of Lake Champlain to construct necessary infrastructure to accommodate the new 24-hour temporary ferry service just south of the former bridge. New York's access roads have been constructed and the concrete approach slabs required for accessing the ferry have been completed. A prefabricated modular steel Acrow Bridge is being assembled on the approach roadway. This will connect to a lift bridge which is being built off-site and will be part of the necessary span from the land to where the ferry will dock, allowing cars access to the ferry boat. To provide for customer comfort, modular rest room facilities have been ordered and are expected to be delivered soon.

Clean-up from the demolition of the former bridge continues. Portions of the former bridge that were in the main channel have been removed, and thus far, the channel has been cleared to a depth of 20 feet, and for a width of approximately 200 feet. A sweep of the channel was done to assure that it was clear. The Coast Guard has agreed that ferry access is now allowable.

New York and Vermont are working toward the goal of opening the new temporary Crown Point Ferry by the end of January. Passage over Lake Champlain via the temporary Crown Point ferry will be free of charge for travelers until the new bridge is open.

The State continues to warn that unstable ice conditions persist in the area of the former Lake Champlain Bridge. All persons are advised to stay off the ice in this area. Further, people are urged to stay keep clear of the construction zone in the area as crews work all winter to demolish the remaining structures of the former bridge and remove the debris left from the demolition on December 28.

Further information may be obtained at https://www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge.