Ferry at Fort Simpson reopens after day-long closure

The Liard River ferry at Fort Simpson, N.W.T., is running again. It had been grounded Thursday morning.

The Department of Infrastructure had stopped the MV Lafferty from running due to high and fast moving water, and because debris like logs could have clogged the ferry's props.

On Friday afternoon the Department of Infrastructure tweeted that the ferry is running again. People trying to get to Fort Simpson had been lined up in cars and trucks due to the closure.

Dustin Dewar, the Dehcho regional manager for highway operations, said Thursday that it may not stay open.

"There is additional water and rain forecasted in the Upper Liard, which is in B.C. so that hits Fort Simpson in about four days," he said. "So we could see a recurring event and rotating closures."

There were concerns that the ferry closure could hamper a number of events happening in Fort Simpson over the long weekend, including a baseball tournament, a hand games tournament and the annual Open Sky Festival.