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NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The Merv Hardie ferry may not be able to make its much-anticipated final voyage on Nov. 30 after all, Yellowknifer has learned.

The ferry began operating at a restricted load limit of 70,000 kg because of low water levels at the Dory Point side of the ferry crossing. - NNSL file photo

"Right now, we hope that the ferry will still be in the water (next Friday) so that we can include it in the official ceremonies, but if it happens to go out it goes out," said James MacKenzie, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation. "There's nothing that we can really do about that."

Ferry service was suspended twice on Wednesday due to low water levels and ice fog. The first short closure, due to ice fog, was over by 1:30 p.m. with a restricted load limit of 70,000 kg. Service was suspended again at 7 p.m.

On Thursday morning, the ferry was back in action, again at a limited capacity, but at press time it was being watched closely and could be stopped at any time, said MacKenzie.

"We are advising nobody to travel right now, just because ferry operations could cease at any point in time."

As of Thursday afternoon, there was a significant backlog of traffic waiting to cross from the south shore. Commercial trucks were especially affected because only one of these vehicles could cross at a time, he said.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, the water levels at the crossing were at 149.76 metres above sea level. Whenever the water level falls below 150 metres, the department looks closely at suspending operations, said MacKenzie. Normally, the ferry operates at 160 metres above sea level, he said. By Thursday afternoon, the water level had crept up to 149.99 metres.

The Merv Hardie services Highway 3, crossing the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence. A ferry closure will mean that Yellowknife is cut off from the south by road - something that was never expected to happen again.

Next Friday, Nov. 30, a grand opening ceremony for the Deh Cho Bridge is scheduled to take place, along with the final farewell for the Merv Hardie, a vessel that has connected the north and south portions of Highway 3 since the early 1970s.

When asked if the Deh Cho Bridge could be opened early if the ferry had to stop running, MacKenzie said it was an option, but construction work such as finishing guard rails and final inspections need to be completed before the bridge can be used.

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