WHITE CASTLE, Louisiana — Officials say the White Castle ferry will close permanently on June 28.
Louisiana Department of Transportation officials said the closing is part of a money-saving effort. Until June 28, normal weekday operations will continue from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Without the ferry, drivers must go 22 miles north to the Plaquemine ferry or 42 miles south to the Sunshine Bridge.
Officials also plan to close the Edgard-Reserve ferry this year. Estimates show ending the two ferries will save a combined $3.5 million yearly.
Officials say they're ending ferries that primarily serve locals. Crossings at St. Francisville and Melville were already closed, for estimated savings of $2.7 million.
New Orleans' Regional Transit Authority is negotiating to run the Canal Street and Chalmette ferries there.
