Projects
Woodland Ferry Replacement Project
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Contract No. 25-500-49 Project History: The Woodland Ferry, which is located in the small community of Woodland just outside Seaford, has provided ferry service across the Nanticoke River between Seaford and Laurel since 1793. In 1935, the Delaware Department of Transportation took over operation of the ferry from the Cannon Family. Due to age and deteriorating condition, the Department of Transportation took the 40 year old Woodland Ferry out of service on December 31, 2007. There will be no ferry service in the area until the new Woodland Ferry becomes operational in November, 2008. The Woodland Ferry Association, is a group of residents in the Woodland community that are committed to maintain the historical charm of the ferry. They are frequently vocal on matters regarding the ferry, and DelDOT worked closely with them when deciding what type and size of ferry to purchase. Project Purpose & Need: In 2005, due to the ferry frequently being out of service for maintenance and repairs brought on by its aging condition, DelDOT committed to replacing the existing vessel with a new one. The new vessel, which is currently being built in Salisbury, Maryland, will be able to carry six vehicles. This will decrease the wait time for vehicles waiting to cross the river. The new ferry will be the same length as the current one (64 feet), but is 10 feet wider (at 30 feet wide) in order to accommodate six vehicles. Project Highlights:
Contracts Signed and Approved: March, 2007 Preliminary Design/Engineering Completed: June 5, 2007 Permitting Process: May 25, 2007 - November 24, 2007 New Docks/Pilings and Sitework: December, 2007 - July, 2008 Vessel Built: May 31, 2007 - May 25, 2008 New Vessel in Service: November, 2008 Contractors & Cost: Contractor for Sitework: George & Lynch, Inc. Contractor/Shipbuilder: Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Inc. (Salisbury, Maryland) Cost for New Ferry: $931,000(Cost to build and transport the new ferry to Seaford) Cost for Dock & Related Improvements: $1,700,000 (Remove existing pilings and install new ones to accommodate the larger vessel) Cost for permitting, added safety and security improvements: $550,000 (Costs for miscellaneous permits, security cameras and additional lighting, etc.) Total Project Cost: $3,181,000 |
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