VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Service will resume on the Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County and the Sunnybank Ferry in Northumberland County beginning Friday, July 3. 

Each ferry will operate a full schedule according to its normal service hours, which will include service on Saturday, July 4.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) temporarily ceased ferry service in the Northern Neck on April 11 to protect the health and safety of passengers and operators. Under Governor Northam’s Stay-at-Home Order, travel was limited at that time to essential trips only – for essential workers to get to and from work. Travelers used 20-minute land route options during the temporary closure.

“We are pleased to welcome travelers back to our ferries next week as Virginia begins Safer at Home: Phase Three with the return to normal operations,” said Marcie Parker, P.E., VDOT Fredericksburg District engineer. “Due to the smaller size of our river ferries, we have posted signs asking drivers and passengers to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the trip. Ferry operators will wear masks when interacting with the public, and will practice physical distancing when possible. “

The Merry Point and Sunnybank ferries are cable-guided vessels. Each ferry requires one crew member to operate. Ferry operators are employed by a VDOT contractor. There are no restroom facilities on board the ferries.

The Merry Point Ferry is located on Route 604 (Merry Point Road and Ottoman Ferry Road) in Lancaster County and crosses the western end of the Corrotoman River.

The Sunnybank Ferry crosses the Little Wicomico River on Route 644 in Northumberland County.

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VDOT’s 14-county Fredericksburg District includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford in the Fredericksburg area; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in the Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in the Middle Peninsula.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.