Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry Opening Pushed Back

Don't plan on riding the ferry this week.

While the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferry is being outfitted with new engines and electrical upgrades, the start of the seasonal service across the Connecticut River was pushed back 10 days.

Instead of its initial start date--originally scheduled for Wednesday--the ferry will begin service on May 10 at 10:30 a.m., depending on the level of the river.  Service may be affected due to spring flooding, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

During the winter maintenance period the ferry was refitted with a new environmentally-compliant power system, including a new engine and upgrades to its electrical and coolant systems, the state said.

The ferry will initially operate from 10:30 a.m .to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, due to a temporary staffing shortage. Its regular 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. weekday service is expected to begin by July. Operations will end Oct. 31, police said.

On Friday the state bond commission approved $300,000 for a new ferry office building. Constructions is expected to start sometime this summer.