VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Service on the Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 16, after an extensive maintenance project to renew the vessel.

Service was suspended in late August 2021 to allow the boat to undergo routine cleaning and maintenance in drydock. A fresh coat of paint protects the boat exterior from deterioration. Additional repairs were made at the ferry dock.

“We appreciate the patience of the Northern Neck community during this interruption in ferry service, which allowed us to accomplish necessary maintenance to keep the vessel in excellent condition,” said David Beale, P.E., VDOT Northern Neck Resident Engineer. “We hope travelers will enjoy the refreshed appearance of the ferry, and that this service will again save residents and visitors travel time as we approach the year-end holidays.”

While the Merry Point Ferry is scheduled to begin operation during normal hours of service Tuesday, service may be affected by wind, weather and tides. Real-time updates on ferry service are available on 511Virginia.

When compared with the land driving route, riding the Merry Point Ferry to cross the river on scenic byway Route 604 (Merry Point Road/Ottoman Ferry Road) saves around 20 minutes of travel time. The ferry transports an average of 2,100 passengers a month.

The maintenance project cost was approximately $162,000, and was completed by Severn Yachting, LLC.

Learn more about the Merry Point Ferry and view the operating hours at the ferry webpage.

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