Dorena-Hickman, Cave-In-Rock Ferries Reopen As Water Recedes

Two western Kentucky ferry services have reopened as high water has receded.

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry crossing the Mississippi River between Hickman, Ky., and Dorena, Mo., reopened at 3:30 p.m. March 2 after being closed three weeks due to high water. The ferry closed February 11 when the Ohio River gauge at Cairo, Ill., exceeded 44 feet, putting floodwaters above where the ferry can operate.

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects Ky. 1354 in Hickman with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena and serves as a critical transportation link between the two states, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Missouri and Kentucky have the geographic distinction of being the only border states in the country not directly connected by a road or a bridge. The only direct route between the states is the Dorena-Hickman Ferry. It is located at Mississippi River Mile 922.

Also reopened is the Cave-in-Rock Ferry, which crosses the Ohio River between Crittenden County, Ky., near the city of Marion, and Cave-in-Rock, Ill. The Cave-in-Rock Ferry closed February 15 when floodwaters covered Ky. 91 near the Kentucky landing. The ferry resumed service at 6 a.m. February 25. It connects Ky. 91 in Kentucky with Ill. Route 1 in Hardin County, Ill.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 spokesman Keith Todd said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Crittenden County highway maintenance crew spent a full day removing drift, mud and other debris from almost a mile of Ky. 91 leading to the Kentucky landing before it was inspected and reopened the next day.

The Cave-in-Rock Ferry carries approximately 500 vehicles across the Ohio River daily. It is located at Mile 881.