KELSO – The Wahkiakum ferry is shut down and will not operate during nighttime closures of the Lewis and Clark Bridge until further notice.

The Washington State Department of Transportation received notification today the Wahkiakum County Ferry (also known as the Westport to Cathlamet Ferry or the Puget Island Ferry) was shut down after running aground earlier in the week. Wahkiakum County indicated to WSDOT this afternoon that inspections with the Coast Guard will take place Tuesday afternoon at a dry dock in Astoria to determine whether or not it can continue operation.

If you usually use the ferry during full closures of the Lewis and Clark Bridge, you will need to use an alternate route. The ferry is one of the three main alternate routes during full closures of the Lewis and Clark Bridge. Other alternate routes include Portland via I-5, I-405, and US 30 or Astoria via SR 4, SR 401, and US 30.

For more information, call the toll-free Lewis and Clark Bridge Deck Replacement Project hot line: (866) 427-4630; or visit the Web site at (www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/lewisclarkbridge.)