Ross River ferry back in limited service

The Yukon government is operating again across the Pelly River at Ross River, but under restricted conditions.

The Yukon government closed the ferry on Sunday, after an inspection found the 70-year-old Ross River suspension bridge was in imminent danger of collapse. The ferry runs almost underneath the bridge on an underwater cable which cannot easily be moved. It is in danger of being hit by debris if the bridge falls.

There's still an estimated 50 people stranded across the river on the North Canol highway.

An RCMP boat brought about 10 people across last night.

Department of Highways officials say the ferry will operate twice a day at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. but will carry only vehicles. People will be brought across by boat.

Meanwhile, there are precautions for the ferry operator. There will be a spotter on the ferry, and one on land. A boat will travel next to the ferry so the ferry operators can escape if the bridge starts to fall.

There's no word yet on whether the bridge will be repaired or demolished.