Water Works Preventing Historic CT Ferry From Passing Go

GLASTONBURY/ROCKY HILL, CT — Another wet spring and a quick snow melt on the mountains to the north has been wreaking havoc with the historic Connecticut River Ferry between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill.

At 6 a.m. Thursday, the sate Department of Transportation announced that the ferry was docked until further notice because of flooding. The low-lying areas along the river are particularly susceptible to high waters this time of year.

In addition to seasonal rainfall in north central Connecticut this spring, the mountains in Vermont have been experiencing a quick melt. For example, during the first week in March, Stratton Mountain was completely open with a deep base. Two weeks later, on a 60-degree day, nearby Bromley was just half open with grass showing between trails.

Ferry season in Connecticut typically runs from April 1 through Nov. 30.

The Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry is the nation's oldest continuously operating ferry service. The original ferry dates back to 1655. Back then, the ferry was privately operated under a state services agreement and was pushed across the river using long poles.

It was then powered by a horse on a treadmill in the center of the craft.

In 1876, state officials tell us, the ferry system was "modernized" with a steam-driven craft. The system evolved into today's barge and tug.

Each crossing takes about 4 minutes with the "Cumberland," a small tug and the "Hollister III" barge equipped to carry vehicles. The ferry is actually the continuation of state Route 160 between the two towns. The captains make 70 to 80 trips a day at the height of the season.

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