Ferry Closes Due To Difficulty Obtaining Parts

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connecting Kentucky to Missouri across the Mississippi River has remained closed for several days because of a delay in receiving necessary parts.

The ferry, at Mile 922.0, is the only way the neighboring states are directly connected.

The ferry closed November 5. At that time, Capt. Jeremy Newsom expected parts to repair a ramp control mechanism to arrive in few days.

However, as repairs progressed, some additional parts had to be ordered. As the motor that controls movements of one of the ramps is being rebuilt and in the absence of a reliable parts delivery timeline, the ferry will remain closed until the parts are received and the repairs are completed, said Keith Todd, spokesman the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s District 1 office, based in Paducah, Ky.

Motorists may check on the ferry’s operating status by calling 731693-0210 or by going to www.facebook.com/DorenaHickmanFerry/.

The ferry connects Ky. 1354 near Hickman, Ky., with Missouri Route KY 1354 at Hickman, Ky., with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Mo. It is often used by farmers, so its closure during the harvest season is particularly difficult.

The ferry is also a tourist attraction for the region. It provides a convenient route between southeast Missouri and popular fishing and recreation areas around Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee, Todd said.

Missouri and Kentucky have the geographic distinction of being the only border states in the country not directly connected by a road or bridge, Todd said.