Morning's High Tide Reduces Ferry Service

By WYDaily Staff Saturday, February 06, 2010

High tides on the James River led to a temporary reduction of service this morning on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. The reduced service began and 7:20 a.m. and continued until 9.

Service could become limited again this afternoon around 3, when the next high tide comes in.
According to VDOT, high water prevents smaller vessels in the fleet from docking safely. The Pocahontas, the largest ferry boat in the Jamestown-Scotland fleet, is able to run during exceptionally high tides. It was making trips every between Jamestown and Surry every 20-25 minutes. The smaller ferry - Williamsburg - had to remain docked.

"Crews are keeping an eye on the afternoon tide," said VDOT spokesman Lauren Hansen. "Service may have to be reduced again later today after 3 p.m. but we won’t know for certain until after the water levels start to rise."

Motorists are encouraged to call the ferry hotline at 1-800-VA-FERRY. Motorists are encouraged to listen to Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 610AM, or dial 511 for the most current traffic and travel information for Hampton Roads interstate conditions.

As an alternate route, motorists are advised to use the Route 17 James River Bridge.

From the Surry side: Take Route 10 to Route 258 to the James River Bridge (Route 17). Follow signs for Route 64 West. Exit onto Route 199 toward Williamsburg. Follow to Route 31 (Jamestown Road).

From the Jamestown Side: Take Route 31 to Route 199. Make a right onto Route 199. Merge onto Route 64 East. Follow to the James River Bridge exit. After traveling over the bridge make a right onto Route 258, then make a right onto Route 10. Follow Route 10 to the blinking light in the town of Surry.

Motorists may also use the Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge on Route 5 as an alternate route.

To get to the Dresser Bridge: Take Route 5 West to the Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge (James City/Charles City) to Route 106/156 South. Go over the Benjamin Harrison Bridge to Route 10 East to Surry.