UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
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SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. - The Coast Guard announces its plan to open the West Neebish Channel in the St. Marys River Tuesday morning, March 24, 2020.
Ice above the Neebish Island ferry crossing is deteriorating rapidly. Recent rain and above normal temperatures weakened shore ice which threatens to collapse and potentially obstruct ferry operations.
Three 140-foot icebreaking tugs are working the lower St Marys River to flush rotten ice downstream to prevent ice from hindering commercial navigation, including ferry operations. Prior to announcing these plans, Coast Guard officials conferred with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA) and the local ferry operators to collect their input. Each supports the timing for the waterway opening.
For up-to-date information on ferry operations call the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA) delays, cancellation, and updates hotline at (906) 632-1516, check the local ferry Facebook pages, or the EUPTA website at EUPTA.net.
For more information contact LTJG Sean Murphy at (906) 635-3223 or sean.v.murphy@uscg.mil, or follow the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie page on Facebook.
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