Conn. River ferry opens a month late due to mechanical issues

ROCKY HILL — The nation's oldest continually operating ferry is ready to begin its 367th season on the Connecticut River.

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, operated by the state Department of Transportation, was set to begin service for the season on Saturday, according to a DOT statement.

The ferry's opening came a month after the state's other historic ferry, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, first set sail for the year, carrying cars and passengers across the Connecticut River.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry began seasonal operations on April 2, after a one-day delay due to technical maintenance.

Rocky Hill's ferry saw a longer delay in opening due to high water levels on the river and mechanical issues, according to DOT.

“The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry began operations last month. As a result of high water level and mechanical issues, the opening of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry was delayed,” the DOT opening announcement said.

It is not unusual for the Rocky Hill Ferry to open later in the season than the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry because of high water concerns, DOT said.

“The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operated ferry in the country, and remains one of the most popular modes of transportation in our state,” DOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “The crews are ready and I know passengers are eager to head out across the Connecticut River by ferry. I hope you'll come and join us this season.”

The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America, with service beginning in 1655. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched its service in 1769.

Both ferries will be open until Nov. 30 and welcome pedestrians, bicyclists and passengers with their vehicles, according to DOT.

Ridership on the ferries recovered last year, following a dip created by the COVID-19 pandemic and a temporary suspension of ferry rides in 2020, DOT spokesperson Josh Morgan previously said.

After the service was halted for a portion of the 2020 season, the ridership numbers for 2021 bounced back, with the ferries carrying a combined 40,183 vehicles and 89,831 passengers, according to DOT data.