Negotiations take place to continue Cave-In-Rock ferry service

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Illinois Department of Transportation are continuing negotiations to to avoid a service interruption for the Ferry at Cave-In-Rock.

The states are working with the Ohio River Ferry Authority to avoid a potential expiration of an agreement for financial support which could impact ferry service between Kentucky and Illinois. The current state-funded two-year agreement between the privately owned ferry operator and the Ohio River Ferry Authority will expire on June 30.

Earlier this month, the ferry operator notified the Ohio River Ferry Authority along with the KYTC that they rejected a proposed contract to continue service, citing issues with the proposed funding and terms of the contract. The Ohio River Ferry Authority and KYTC have tentatively come to an agreement on a 13% increase in annual funding for the ferry, and discussions are underway to review the contractual language and finalize the agreement to ensure it meets reimbursement guidelines and follows state regulations.

With less than a week remaining before the current agreement ends, the KYTC is reminding travelers that a potential disruption to the ferry service could occur beginning on July 1. The KYTC says that travelers should be prepared to use an alternate route between Cave-In-Rock, Illinois and Crittenden County, Kentucky should services be interrupted.

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry carries approximately 300 vehicles across the Ohio River per day at no cost to travelers. The shortest alternate drive between Marion, Kentucky and Cave-In-Rock, Illinois would use the KY 56 Shawneetown Bridge and adds an additional 35 minutes to the commute than a trip on the ferry.

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