Low river level is the primary reason ferry services will be disrupted and a 12 tonne weight restriction implemented at some ferry locations. 

Heavy vehicles above the 12 tonne weight limit will need to make contingency plans.

Ferry services above Lock 1 (Morgan, Cadell, Waikerie and Lyrup) are not expected to be affected at this time.

The closest alternative crossing for heavy vehicles is as follows:

** Note: Ferry services may be subject to temporary interruptions for emergency maintenance work.

Why is the Mannum upstream ferry suspended when other ferries remain in service?

The disruption to the Mannum upstream ferry service is directly linked to the length of the concrete approach ramp at the river bank, which varies at each crossing. To compensate for lower river levels, the steel landing on each concrete approach ramp is moved down the ramp as the river level drops. Once the steel landing reaches the end of the concrete ramp, as occurred at the Mannum upstream service in April 2007, a 12 tonne weight restriction is imposed. This means that vehicles above the limit, such as semi trailers and truck/trailer combinations, cannot be loaded safely.  Lighter vehicles such standard cars, small school buses or local farmer’s trucks can continue to use the crossing

What are the options to keep ferries in service?

Options to keep unrestricted vehicle access to ferries are being investigated. For example, at Tailem Bend, Purnong, Walker Flat, Swan Reach, Mannum downstream and Wellington modified landings have already been installed. However a modified landing will not assist the Mannum upstream service due to the length of the existing ramp.

Why can't concrete ramps be lengthened once the ferry service is closed?

Lengthening concrete ramps would require extensive design work, dredging of the river as well as applications for environmental and Aboriginal clearances. It would be a major project that may take up to six months to complete. 

What is being done to reduce waiting times at the Mannum ferry crossing when the upstream ferry is closed?

The department increases the number of ferry operators working on the Mannum downstream service during busy periods to reduce any delays that may be experienced.  This includes the management of traffic flow. The department will continue to monitor the wait times and cycle times in peak periods.

What if emergency services need to cross the river in a hurry?

All emergency vehicles that arrive at a ferry crossing displaying emergency beacons and/or sounding sirens are given over riding priority.  The department will continue to work with emergency services and school bus operators

What influence does wind have on the river level?

Strong northerly winds can temporarily lower the river level by up to 300 mm and conversely southerly winds can temporarily raise the river by up to 300 mm.  This can affect the operation of the ferry system and require either short term temporary closure or weight restrictions to be put in place.

FERRIES WORKING GROUP

A ‘Ferries Working Group’ has been formed in order to improve the lines of communication between the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) and community / industry groups that use or are effected by ferry services on the River Murray.