Green River Ferry ramp improvement project postponed

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky.- In an announcement made Tuesday by officials from Mammoth Cave National Park, the Green River Ferry vehicle ramp improvement project that was originally supposed to be completed by Nov. 15 is now looking at a completion date of spring 2020.

“While we’re disappointed that the contractor couldn’t complete the work by the end date of Nov. 15, they’ve asked for an extension to complete the work through the wintertime,” said Mammoth Cave public information officer Molly Schroer.

According to a news release from Mammoth Cave, the project’s contractor, Kovilic’s Construction Company has experienced several delays during their work.

“We’ve been working with our federal highway administration, they’re the ones overseeing the contract. The contractor has been in communication with them to try to get things moving along. They put in the request for the extension, and that’s when we decided to grant it,” Schroer said.

While conditions for work might not be favorable during the winter, Schroer emphasizes that winter is in fact the best time.

“It’s a little bit less impactful for our visitors. There’s not as many people moving around, so it’s a good time to try and get it done in the winter before things pick up in the springtime,” Schroer said.

Schrorer said with a postponed completion date comes a better end result, one that will be worth the wait.

“We’re trying to keep our eye on the end game of this. Once the project is completed and we get the new ferry in place, we should have fewer closure days due to low water. It’s just going to be a better way to operate. We have a little bit of pain before we get there, but we’re just hoping everyone can bear with us for just a few more months,” Schroer said.