Hickman, Ky.–Due to low water on the Mississippi River, the Dorena-Hickman Ferry will temporarily be unable to transport large trucks. The ferry will remain in service to haul passenger vehicles and smaller trucks.
The Cairo Gauge was at 13.93 at Noon, today. It is expected to stay at or below that level through mid-October unless there is substantial rainfall.
A contractor has been reconstructing the ramp at the Kentucky Landing. However, the ramp has not yet been extended to a point where it can be used when the river level is extremely low.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel have hauled millings to fill in at the bottom of the ramp to allow the ferry to keep operating. However, the millings are not capable of supporting the weight of large trucks.
The ferry is asking anyone who plans to cross with a SEMI or commercial box truck to first contact the ferryboat about operating conditions until further notice.
The ferry is able to continue hauling passenger vehicles and pickup trucks without disruption.
To sign up for traffic advisories and alerts on the ferry’s operating status via email go to https://public.govdelivery.
Motorists may check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210 or by going to https://www.facebook.com/
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry connects KY 1354 at Hickman, Kentucky, with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Missouri.
In addition to providing a critical transportation link between Kentucky and Missouri for daily commuters and farmers, the ferry serves as a tourist attraction for the region and provides a convenient route between Southeast Missouri and the popular fishing and recreation areas around nearby Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry Operates from the Hickman Landing with regular river crossings during daylight hours. Round trip passage for passenger vehicles is $14 with additional tolls for trucks, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers. There are discounts for vehicles making return crossings.
Missouri and Kentucky have the geographic distinction of being the only border states that are not directly connected by a road or bridge. The only direct route between the two states is the Dorena-Hickman Ferry.
The ferry is operated by the Mississippi County Port Authority with funding support from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The Dorena-Hickman Ferry operates at Mississippi River navigation mile point 922.0.