Propeller shaft problems
Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jan 05/01) - Truck traffic from the south was delayed Sunday due to a breakdown of the ferry serving the Fort Providence Mackenzie River crossing.
"One of the (propeller) shafts let go at a coupling," said Les Shaw, territorial director of marine services.
The breakdown occurred at 10 a.m. Service was restored at 11 p.m.
Shaw said the repair was slowed because a D-8 Caterpillar, used to haul the rear end of the ferry onto land for servicing, had to be transported to the crossing from Fort Simpson, a trip of about 320 kilometres.
Light traffic, which is using the ice bridge, was not slowed by the delay.
As of Thursday afternoon the ferry was continuing to shuttle heavy trucks across the Mackenzie River.
The neighbouring ice crossing is also open to light vehicle and small trucks.
