BATON ROUGE, La. – The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that the White Castle ferry is expected to return to service the last week of August after crews complete repairs to the vessel’s propeller shaft.
Service initially ceased on June 14 after an inspection by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) discovered problems with the ferry’s propeller shaft. After further inspection, it was determined that the ferry would need to be dry-docked to make the necessary repairs due to damage being more extensive than expected. The repairs must be made before the USCG gives DOTD clearance to resume service.
DOTD has hired a contractor to perform the repairs and is waiting for a dry-dock to become available at the shipyard, which will be no later than August 6. DOTD estimates that it will take approximately 14 days to complete the repairs once the dry-dock becomes available. After the repairs are made, DOTD will schedule an inspection by the USCG and return the ferry to service.
Before traveling, drivers can call the Toll-Free Ferry Information line at 1-888-613-3779 for the status of the ferry, or visit the "Ferry Status" page on the right-hand side of the DOTD Web site.
Drivers can also access updates on the ferry through Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/WhCastle_Ferry. By creating a Twitter account, drivers can receive automatic updates on the ferry’s status via their Twitter Web page or text message.
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.