With the MV Lafferty out of service at a key crossing in the Dehcho, the GNWT announced it will conduct what it called “essential dredging work” at the Liard River Ferry Landings between August 15 and September 18.
At kilometre marker 457 on Highway 1 just southeast of Fort Simpson, a long-reach excavator will remove approximately 8,000 cubic meters of material such as boulders, cobbles and other sediment from the ferry’s path.
“Work should not delay or change the ferry operation schedule, but the public will be advised of any changes as needed,” stated a GNWT release.
However, there is already a disruption to the ferry operation schedule, as the Department of Infrastructure announced the Liard River Ferry to Fort Simpson will remain closed due to unexpected mechanical issues.
Liard River MV Lafferty ferry. (Photo courtesy of GNWT)
“Our maintenance crew is working hard to get the ferry operational as quickly and safely as possible and we anticipate the work to be completed within a week,” stated a social media post, which added the closure should be resolved later this week.
“During servicing, it became clear that more extensive work is necessary. Parts weighing approximately 400 pounds each, will be flown in from Edmonton along with specialized technicians.
“We understand this has been a challenging season and we appreciate your continued understanding and patience during this time. Please know that the safety of our crew and passengers is our top priority.”
With the main access road route now blocked for residents of Fort Simpson and Wrigley to access the highway system, the GNWT stated it would closely monitor the wildfire risk in the area, and there was no current threat to the community.
“We understand this has been a challenging season and we appreciate your continued understanding and patience during this time,” the Department of Infrastructure stated.
In June, there was a two-week closure of the ferry on Highway 1 to Wrigley. Then came the nearly six-day closure of the Mackenzie River Ferry at kilometre marker 143 on Highway 8 – known as the Dempster Highway. Again, it was for unplanned mechanical breakdown.
Some travellers were forced to sleep in their vehicles or campers, the GNWT sent a technician to the site, working long hours to fix the MV Louis Cardinal.
These interruptions come at the peak of road-tripping travellers, the new closure affecting those taking the Liard Trail route from British Columbia to Checkpoint, with an option to take the Heritage Route northwest to Fort Simpson and beyond.
UPDATE: Caroline Wawzonek, the NWT’s minister of infrastructure, told CBC News on Tuesday, July 16, she expects the vessel to be operating again on Sunday, and that a large engine part needs replacing.
Fort Simpson highway access map. The break in the red highway line is location of MV Lafferty ferry crossing. (Image courtesy of NWT Tourism)
