Gagetown ferry resumes service with reduced schedule, new limits

The Gagetown ferry has returned to service on a reduced schedule and with new passenger and weight limits, after undergoing an estimated $100,000 in repairs.

But the long-term future of the ferry, which crosses the St. John River between Gagetown and Lower Jemseg, remains unclear.

The free cable ferry, which was removed from service in February after it had been deemed unseaworthy, had a successful inspection by Transport Canada Marine Safety, the Department of Transportation announced on Monday.

It now operates from 6 a.m. until midnight daily, which is two hours more than the 10 p.m. end time proposed last month, but down from the previous 24-hour daily service.

The ferry's new maximum capacity is 12 passengers, excluding crew members, and a single truck load limit of 12 tonnes (four tonnes per axle), said department spokeswoman Sarah Bustard.

"Potentially, the ferry could have 12 cars with single passengers (12) or six cars with two passengers," Bustard said in an email to CBC News.

"The 12-passenger limit is part of our licensing with Transport Canada Marine Safety. In the past, the vessel had a 12-car limit," she said.

Repairs to the ferry included:

• Structural repairs to the deck and hull.
• Repairs to the on-board pumping systems.
• "Various additional repairs, cleaning, testing, drawings, calculations and inspections that were required."

The total cost of the work is still being compiled, said Bustard.

The ferry crossing takes about five minutes, compared to the approximately 40 minutes it takes to drive.

Asked about the future of the service, Bustard said: "The Government of New Brunswick is currently in the midst of evaluating its expenditures, revenues and service offerings as part of the Strategic Program Review. There are no planned changes to the river ferry service pending the Strategic Program Review's findings."