JAMESTOWN, Va. – The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service faced another rough ride Monday — not on the water, but on land.
For the second time in a single afternoon, the popular ferry service connecting Surry County and James City County was suspended due to mechanical problems, leaving commuters and tourists scrambling for alternate routes.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the first shutdown came just after 3:30 p.m., when a mechanical issue was reported on the ramp at the Jamestown dock. The malfunction forced the temporary suspension of operations while crews investigated and attempted repairs.
Though service briefly resumed, VDOT later announced a second shutdown in the evening, citing continued issues with the same dock mechanism. As of Monday night, no estimated time for resumption had been released.
Commuter Disruption and Detours
The ferry is a vital lifeline for drivers traveling between Surry County and James City County, especially during peak hours. With the service out of commission, VDOT advised motorists to take alternate routes including Route 17 and I-664—a frustrating detour that adds considerable time to commutes.
“Honestly, this has become a regular thing,” said Michael Langston, a Surry resident who commutes to Williamsburg. “It’s hard to plan anything when you don’t know if the ferry’s going to be running.”
Longstanding Infrastructure Challenges
The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry has seen its share of mechanical troubles in recent years, often stemming from aging infrastructure and increasing wear and tear. The ramp system at the Jamestown dock, essential for loading and unloading vehicles, is especially prone to breakdowns during high-traffic periods.
While VDOT has made periodic repairs, some local officials and residents have called for a more permanent solution, including the modernization or replacement of key ferry components.
“Intermittent service is no longer acceptable for the communities that rely on this ferry every single day,” said one James City County board member, speaking off the record. “We need consistent state investment to fix this once and for all.”
Impact on Tourism and Commerce
Beyond commuters, the ferry is a well-traveled route for tourists visiting historic Jamestown and surrounding attractions. Monday’s disruptions reportedly led to multiple missed tours and cancellations, adding another layer of impact during the busy summer season.
Local business owner Trina Ellis, who runs a bed and breakfast in Scotland Wharf, said cancellations spiked after word of the second shutdown.
“This is the peak season,” Ellis said. “One ferry shutdown might be manageable, but two in a day? That hurts.”
What’s Next?
VDOT has yet to announce the full extent of the damage or what caused the repeat mechanical failure. A spokesperson said technicians are working overnight to assess the ramp system and that updates will be posted on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
For now, drivers are being urged to check VDOT’s real-time alerts and ferry status pages before heading out.
Quick Facts:
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First suspension: ~3:30 p.m. Monday
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Second suspension: Announced later the same evening
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Problem area: Mechanical malfunction on the Jamestown dock ramp
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Alternate routes: Route 17, I-664
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No ETA for service resumption as of 10 PM Monday
