Wheatland Ferry
| Wheatland Ferry | |
| 250px | |
|---|---|
| The Wheatland Ferry approaches the east bank of the Willamette carrying a typical weekend load of vehicles | |
| Route | |
| Crosses | Willamette River |
| Locale | Wheatland, Oregon |
| Carries | Matheny Road Wheatland Road |
| Quays | 2 |
| Service | |
| Operator | Marion County, Oregon |
| Ferry(s) | Daniel Matheny V |
| Type | Electric |
| Length | 580 feet (180 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1850s |
| Predecessor | none |
| 40x40px | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (May 2009) |
The Wheatland Ferry is a cable ferry that connects Marion County and Yamhill County across the Willamette River in the U.S. state of Oregon. The ferry travels approximately 580 feet (178 meters) across the river (depending on the height of the river). The current ferry is powered by two electric motors that are powered from an on-board diesel generator. The ferry is supported by two steel cables, one under water on the downriver side, and one overhead on the upriver side. The ferry also uses the overhead cables for steering.
Each time a replacement ferry is launched, it is always named the Daniel Matheny, after the person who originally established the ferry[1], followed by its number as a roman numeral. The current ferry, launched in 2002 is the Daniel Matheny V.[2] This most recent ferry is unique from its predecessors in that it has a capacity of nine cars (over six from Daniel Matheny IV) and it has its own self-contained diesel-electric generator (the previous ferry was powered from overhead power lines). Because of its source of electricity is now a generator the current ferry is no longer reliant on electricity from overhead wires. The overhead wires now serve the sole purpose of bracing the ferry against the current.
The ferry is a joint operation of Marion and Yamhill counties, with Marion County taking the responsibility of staffing and operating the ferry. It operates every day that river conditions permit. In summer low water levels threaten to cause the ferry to bottom out. Dredging is sometimes employed to deepen the ferry's crossing lane to keep it operating longer. During rainy months high water levels and fast current can stop operations.
All vehicles must pay a toll fee. Pedestrians and bicycles are free.[3]
Location
The Wheatland Ferry is located on Willamette river mile 72, near the former community of Wheatland and Willamette Mission State Park and roughly between the cities Salem and Newberg. Its location is strategic because the nearest bridge in either direction is roughly 15 miles. Besides being part of a travelers route, the Wheatland Ferry is also considered an alternative to the bridge in Salem.
History
The first Daniel Matheny ferry was started by Daniel Matheny himself in the 1850s. The ferry was a wooden raft powered by men with wooden poles.
The current ferry was built at Mar Com Shipyard in Portland Oregon in 2001.[citation needed]
Controversy
The Wheatland Ferry has been a catalyst for local political controversy. Some of this is the natural result of the challenges of inter-county politics and budget issues. Motorists who frequently use the ferry are another factor, citing long wait times, frequent closures for maintenance and increasing prices. Because of its proximity to Salem, the state's capital and second largest city, political and practical issues over Salem's own bridge issues[4][5] affect the Wheatland Ferry.
Ridership
Estimated annual vehicles crossing for 2007 was 240,000. While Yamhill and Marion counties are trying to increase ridership, the wait for the ferry can be congested at peak times. During harvest seasons the ferry is frequently used by farmers delivering produce to canneries across the river.
See also
- Buena Vista Ferry
- Canby Ferry
- Boones Ferry
- Historic ferries of Oregon
- List of crossings of the Willamette River
References
- ↑ Lynn, Capi (January 5, 2005). "Couples married, then headed west". Statesman Journal. http://statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050105/NEWS/501050326&SearchID=73195849503671. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
- ↑ Salem Online History - Salem's New Wheatland Ferry
- ↑ Marion County Oregon - Wheatland Ferry Hours and Fees
- ↑ Salem River Crossing - Alternatives
- ↑ Polk County Bridge Watch
 |
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External links
- Wheatland Ferry Information from Marion County
- History of Wheatland Ferry
- Historic photos of the Wheatland Ferry from Salem Public Library
Coordinates: 45°05′27″N 123°02′40″W / 45.09083°N 123.04444°W
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- Ferries of Oregon
- Transportation in Yamhill County, Oregon
- Transportation in Marion County, Oregon
- Crossings of the Willamette River
