Tailem Bend ferry out of operation while Waikerie ferry service recommences

Almost all of SA’s River Murray ferry services are closed due to flood conditions, with one of the last remaining crossings now out of operation due to high winds.

Another crucial river crossing has been shut off with the Tailem Bend ferry out of operation on Monday, January 9, due to high winds.

Currently, 10 of the 13 South Australian River Murray ferry services have been closed due to flood conditions and the closure of the temporary Tailem Bend ferry will add further strain to traffic load of the closest alternative crossing, the Swanport Bridge at Murray Bridge.

The Tailem Bend ferry was closed to the public from 1.30pm on Monday until further notice.

The Tailem Bend ferry was closed to the public due to high winds, from 1.30pm on Monday until further notice.

Although the closure is due to the current weather conditions, the state government today said the Tailem Bend ferry was at risk of closure within the next week due to flood waters impacting road access.

The closure of the Tailem Bend river crossing comes after Premier Peter Malinaskas today announced a $300 support package would be available for low-income earners and pensioners impacted by ferry closures.

“The ferry closure means far greater travel and far more additional costs on petrol,” Mr Malinauskas said.

Ferries at Cadell and Narrung may also need to close by mid-January as the flood peak continues down the river.

The nearby Wellington ferry has been closed since December 28, 2022 until further notice.

The Wellington ferry crossing is inoperable due to flood conditions and rising water levels and is expected to remain closed while the Wellington East Ferry Road remains closed.

A statement from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport said the department would continue to closely monitor water levels to keep ferries operating for as long as possible, however “some closures may be necessary at short notice as conditions change”.

In good news for cross-river communtors, the Waikerie ferry service recommenced at the high ramp at 12.30pm today, after water depths fell below 12 metres.

Use of the ferry is limited to light vehicles, school buses, emergency vehicles, and heavy vehicles up to 19 metres in length and less than 42.5 tonnes.

B-doubles are not permitted.