SUSSEX COUNTY, DE — The Woodland Ferry is facing an ongoing staffing shortage, with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announcing that the ferry will not operate from March 3 to March 7.
DelDOT officials informed drivers of the closure today, but a spokesperson for the department told WBOC News that they had hired more ferry staffers. Two new captains are currently in training and are expected to complete their certification within the next few months. Passengers said they are hopeful that this development will make ferry operations more reliable.
Jordan Walker, a lifelong Woodland Ferry passenger, said he has fond memories of the vessel.
“I remember being a kid, fishing down here on the wharf, being able to ride your bicycle on the Woodland Ferry and even just watching it go back and forth,” Walker said. “It was always so cool.”
The ferry, which typically operates across the Nanticoke River from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., has faced increased closure frequency.
“Usually there was maintenance once a week or something like that, but now it's closed much more often,” said Walker.
Joe Ferrell, another long-time ferry-goer who supports hiring more captains to keep the ferry functioning, said that some community members have suggested that the ferry should have a bridge.
However, David Smith, who takes the ferry monthly to visit his daughter, said the ferry is an important part of the local identity.
"The fun would be lost," Smith said. "You really don't get to experience the river or to have a few minutes to look outside your vehicle at the scenery, but you can here, so it's a real plus."
DelDOT has been grappling with recruitment challenges for years. WBOC reported difficulties filling the positons of two retiring captains in April 2022.
Walker said he supports hiring more ferry employees, especially if it makes the ferry more reliable.
"To have more captains, that would be a huge benefit to people that live around here," Walker said. "If I'm able to come back and go through the ferry, it saves me 15 minutes, at least and after a long day of work ... you really want to get home.
The Woodland Ferry will resume regularly scheduled service on Monday, March 10, following the closure announced today by DelDOT.
