WESTPORT, Ore. — A new ferry has made its first run between Puget Island, Washington and Westport on the Columbia River in Oregon.
The ferry, named Oscar B, replaces the aging Ferry Wahkiakum, which has been in service since 1962. It’s the last ferry on the lower Columbia River.
The Oscar B will carry 23 passenger cars — nearly double the size of the original Wahkiakum ferry.
The Daily Astorian reports Oscar B made its first run on Thursday.
An 8-ton weight limit per vehicle will be in place until crews finish the permanent Westport landing by May 1. The weight limit does not allow vehicles the size of semitrailers.
Officials are considering a possible time schedule for semitrailers and a higher cost than the $5 per trip for cars and trucks.
