Elizabeth River Ferry has new route to Norfolk while Waterside dock is closed
After five days out of commission, the Elizabeth River Ferry will begin chugging between Portsmouth and Norfolk again, but its typical Norfolk Waterside stop remains closed.
Hampton Roads Transit announced plans Wednesday to reinstate service along a new temporary route after an issue in the public right of way limited access to the dock. The new route will take the ferry between High Street in Portsmouth and Harbor Park in Norfolk.
The Waterside ferry dock is blocked due to damage to the piles, according to a city spokesperson.
Consultants inspecting the city’s piers found one pile missing and severe deterioration to other piles adjacent to the Waterside ferry dock. City crews blocked access to the timber deck, including the ferry landing, until the dock can be repaired.
The city did not provide a timeline for the repairs. The Waterside stop will remain closed until the city notifies HRT it is safe to access, the release said.
Ferry passengers arriving at Harbor Park via the new route can take The Tide light rail westbound to downtown. Fares for the ferry will be honored on The Tide.
All service in Portsmouth will be consolidated to the High Street stop. The ferry will not go to North Landing in Portsmouth.
The first ferry will depart from High Street at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends.
The shuttle bus provided by HRT between Norfolk and Portsmouth as a stop-gap replacement for the ferry service will be discontinued Wednesday evening.
Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, cianna.morales@virginiamedia.com
