White’s Ferry is a historic cable ferry crossing the Potomac River, connecting Montgomery County in Maryland and Loudoun County in Virginia. It ceased operations on Dec. 28, 2020, following a Circuit Court opinion in a private lawsuit over the use of private land for the ferry landing in Virginia. A joint study to evaluate the long-term feasibility of the ferry service and to help identify possible alternatives and courses of action has been completed and is now available for review.
In response to the suspended ferry service, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure jointly undertook the study. The effort was focused on a common goal for the two counties to evaluate the need of the transportation connection and to identify potential operating improvements.
The White’s Ferry Study is available on the MCDOT website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT/Projects/whitesferry/index.html.
A video of a public online meeting on the study, which was held on Nov. 17, also is available. See below.
“Closing White’s Ferry had negative impacts for residents to access their work, shopping, and recreation destinations on both sides of the Potomac,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The results of this study show a clear purpose and need to reopen the ferry as a critical transportation connection for the communities that rely upon it. I want to thank Loudoun County for their partnership in this initiative. I believe the study’s findings will benefit the elected officials considering what can be done to provide the necessary access for the ferry to reopen.”
Prior to closing, White’s Ferry transported approximately 600 to 800 vehicles per day, in addition to bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Ferry service across the Potomac River is an important part of our region’s transportation network,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The ferry moved a lot of people, helped support surrounding businesses and shortened commute times for many. We are working closely with Loudoun County to restore ferry service as soon as possible.”
The study’s scope includes:
- Detailed consideration of best practices of similar ferry operations in other locations.
- Analysis of existing roadway access and ferry use constraints.
- Identifying legal and regulatory requirements associated with ferry operations.
- Potential landing site improvements and landing location options.
- Operating alternatives that may include a public/private partnership.