Low water on the Mississippi River has forced the Dorena-Hickman Ferry out of service again, cutting the only direct transportation link between Kentucky and Missouri.
The ferry suspended operations Wednesday, Oct. 28, as river levels continued falling at Hickman, Ky.
The National Weather Service reported the Mississippi River at about 5.1' at Hickman early Wednesday, down roughly 1.7' over the previous 24 hours. The river remained on a downward trend Thursday, with forecasts calling for levels to fall to about 3.2' by Nov. 2.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry crosses the Mississippi River at navigation mile 922, connecting KY 1354 at Hickman with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Mo.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has described the ferry as a critical transportation link for commuters, farmers, and other travelers. Kentucky and Missouri share a border but have no road or bridge directly connecting them, leaving the ferry as the only direct route between the two states.
The latest shutdown continues a series of low-water disruptions at the crossing.
The ferry closed because of low river levels from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2 and again from Jan. 8 to Jan. 12. Another low-water closure occurred in early September.
Operations have also been interrupted by high winds, maintenance, mechanical problems, and dredging.
The Mississippi County Port Authority operates the ferry. Officials have not publicly identified the exact river level or operating threshold required for service to resume.
As of Thursday afternoon, Oct. 29, no reopening had been announced.
