U.S. Coast Guard opening West Neebish Channel this week

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The U.S. Coast Guard has plans to open the West Neebish Channel in St. Mary's River on Tuesday morning.

In a news release issued over the weekend, the Coast Guard says moving the rapidly deteriorating ice will "prevent the collapse of the ice field that would hinder Neebish Island Ferry operations."

The full release is as follows: 

The Coast Guard announces their plan to open the West Neebish Channel in the St. Marys River Tuesday morning, March 23, 2021.

Ice throughout the St Marys River is deteriorating rapidly. To prevent a collapse of the ice field that would hinder Neebish Island Ferry operations, Coast Guard ice breaking tugs will carefully carve a track to the ferry crossing then begin flushing the rotten ice down river. Forecasted rain and above normal air temperatures will aid this endeavor.

Prior to announcing these plans, Coast Guard officials conferred with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA) and the local ferry operator to collect their input. For up-to-date information on ferry operations call the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority (EUPTA) delays, cancellation, and updates hotline at (906) 632-1516, check the local ferry Facebook pages, or the EUPTA website at EUPTA.net.

For more information contact Soo Traffic at (906) 635-3232 or email sootfc@uscg.mil.