Commuters to face delays as Higher Ferry closes

Commuters travelling between Dartmouth and Kingswear are set to face delays starting Monday, January 20, as the Higher Ferry enters its annual refit period. 

The ferry will be closed for approximately 14 days, during which it will undergo necessary maintenance and inspections, including the five-yearly hull check, which could impact those commuting or travelling to Torbay.

Christian McHale, the ferry manager, explained that the refit will involve a comprehensive inspection of the ferry’s hull, conducted with the help of the ferry's purpose-built cradle. However, the hull inspection is weather-dependent, meaning timeframes could change if adverse weather conditions arise during the process.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause and thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this period,” Mr McHale stated on the Dartmouth Higher Ferry website.

Commuters are advised to plan ahead for potential travel delays during the refit and should check for updates closer to the start date.