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Provincial ferry system launching off for 2018

May 5, 2018 | 10:49 AM

Ferries across central Saskatchewan are slowly, but surely, opening for crossings.

The latest report from the Highway Hotline on May 3 shows five ferries are operational, which typically run from late April into November.

“Most of the ferries that are open right now are only having medium to light loads,”  Brayden Park, the Highway Hotline clerk said.

According to the Highway Hotline, the Clarkboro crossing can carry medium loads up to 22,500 kilograms, while only 12,000 kilograms can cross at Hague. The Wingard Ferry is crossing with light loads no heavier than 8,000 kilograms.

The Cecil, Weldon, Fenton and Paynton ferries all remain closed while the St. Laurent crossing is open for normal crossings.

“The weather’s been a little bit wonky here,” Park said. “Whenever the conditions let us do so, we open them up as fit.”

He said once water levels even out, more routes should begin to open.

In the north, the Wollaston Lake Barge, the only barge operated by the province, is listed as closed for the season. To the south, the Estuary Ferry is open for normal loads and the Lemsford Ferry is listed as open for medium sized loads. The Lancer Ferry and Riverhurst Ferry crossings are closed.

Park said it is up to the individual Rural Municipalities to inform the hotline as to when their crossings are open so the website can be updated.

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas