The Clarkboro Ferry is slated to open for business on Friday morning, April 24.
The busiest of the provincial Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s (MHI) 12-vessel ferry fleet, the Clarkboro Ferry was launched the afternoon of Thursday, April 23. An initial crossing with a single vehicle took place at about 3:15 p.m., but the service will officially open for business on Friday morning.
A smattering of spectators on the west bank of the river at the ferry landing were on hand to watch the first crossing.
This marks the Clarkboro Ferry’s 54th season plying the waters of the South Saskatchewan River between Warman and Aberdeen. The ferry, which carries an average of 70,000 vehicles per year, was built in 1966 and first saw the water in 1967.
The vessel is 18.2 meters (60 feet) in length, 6 meters (20 feet) in width, and weighs a total of 31,500 kilograms (69,400 pounds).
It is regularly inspected and repaired as necessary every spring before it is put into service. MHI ferry operators said on April 23 after the initial crossing that the craft has been freshly-painted and is in excellent condition.
While there is still considerable ice along the riverbanks, the river itself is free of ice floes. MHI ferry operators say they will monitor the condition of the ice, but don’t expect any difficulties since the forecast in the coming weeks is for warm temperatures.