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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2013
No.: 13-2554
Contact: Jeremy Woodrow, 907-465-8994, Jeremy.Woodrow@alaska.gov

Whittier Ferry Ramp Repaired Ferry Service to Whittier Scheduled to Resume Nov. 21, 2013

(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) today announced that ferry service to Whittier will resume Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, following the completion of repair work to the Whittier ferry terminal ramp.

The M/V Aurora will sail a revised 4-day per week schedule from Nov. 21-29. Beginning Dec. 1, the vessel will sail the previously posted 6-day per week winter schedule. An updated schedule is available online at FerryAlaska.com.

“Whittier ferry service is an important transportation link for the communities of Prince William Sound,” said Alaska Marine Highway System General Manager Captain John Falvey. “On behalf of the department, I would like to thank the residents and small businesses affected by this disruption for their patience while we worked to restore service as quickly as possible.”

Ferry service to Whittier was suspended in late August when an electrical failure resulted in a mechanical breakdown of the mechanism that raises and lowers the ferry terminal ramp. ADOT&PF was able to locate and install temporary parts in an effort to restore ferry service this fall. The department will install newly manufactured parts next spring and keep the used parts as back up should a similar event, while extremely rare, ever occur again.

Travelers are encouraged to make reservations in advance either online at FerryAlaska.com, by calling 1-800-642-0066, or visiting ferry terminal staff throughout the system. Making advance reservations is the best way to guarantee space for passengers and vehicles, and it allows the system to operate more efficiently. Fare information is available online or from reservations agents.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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