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Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-8028 VAN BUREN, MO:Repairs to Akers Ferry, located at Akers on the upper Current River, are underway.The main support posts for the ferry will be replaced beginning on June 20.In order to accomplish this work, heavy equipment will be in place on the ferry ramp on the north side of the Current River.While this equipment is being used on June 20, State Route K will be blocked for several hours.The river crossing will not be available to vehicular traffic during that time.The presence of the heavy equipment is only expected to disrupt travel on June 20.Travelers on State Route K should plan to use a different route across the Current River to avoid delays. Akers Ferry provides a Current River crossing on State Route K in northern Shannon County.The ferry has been out of service since mid-summer 2015.At that time, issues with the underground electrical system prompted closure of the ferry in order to replace and repair electrical wiring and components. Work on the electrical system led to the discovery of severe deterioration of the main support posts.It was determined that these posts would need to be replaced to allow safe operation of the ferry. In addition to structural repairs on the ferry, the ferry channel across the Current River needs to be cleared of gravel and debris that has accumulated during several recent floods.Gravel removal will be completed as soon as possible after the main support posts are replaced. For more information, contact park headquarters at (573)323-4236, visit the park's Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. |
Last updated: June 17, 2016