BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reminds motorists that the Melville ferry will close permanently on Friday, Dec. 31 due to budget constraints and low ridership.
 
Approximately 7,200 drivers use the Melville Ferry each year, an average of 28 per day. The cost to the state to run the ferry is about $200 per round trip for every vehicle. Less than 1% of the operating costs are covered by the $1 toll. The balance is subsidized by taxpayers across the state. Closing the ferry will save the state $720,500 per year.
 
Operations will continue as normal until the date of closure. The ferry operates from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
After Dec. 31, motorists wishing to cross the river will need to take an alternate route. The nearest river crossing is approximately 12 miles south of the ferry landing via the U.S. 190 Bridge over the Atchafalaya River in Krotz Springs.
 
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.
 
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
 

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