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CROWN POINT — Operational trials are under way with a temporary ferry that will be used next to the closed-down Champlain Bridge.

The 40-car ferry was brought in early Thursday morning and made several test trips across Lake Champlain from the Crown Point side of the bridge to Chimney Point, Vt., and back.

The ferry also docked at the Crown Point Reservation Pier.

It will be operated by Lake Champlain Transportation Co. under contract to the states.

On Thursday, contractors also began preparing for the construction of roads and docks for the new, 24-hour ferry.

The former Champ General Store on Route 185 just before the bridge will serve as headquarters for the construction effort.

DOCK PLACEMENT
Vermont Agency of Transportation Outreach Director John Zicconi said engineers designing the ferry moorings asked for the tests.

"We're trying to understand exactly where the ferry docks need to be. There's nothing that tells you that like running the boat."

Work crews are clearing trees between the Lake Champlain Visitor Center and the Crown Point State Reservation Campground, where an access road to the ferry will be constructed.

"You have to clear the trees before you deal with the land. I expect ground construction to begin as early as tomorrow (Friday) or the beginning of next week."

He said a pre-construction meeting will be held over the weekend with the contractors.

"That's what we're doing. This is all part of what it takes."

HOPEFUL SIGN
Moriah Town Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava said the arrival of the ferry is very good news.

"It makes people feel like we're finally seeing some action. I can't tell you how glad I am to see it there."

Vermont and New York state announced plans for the new ferry after many of the thousands of people who used the bridge every day said that having existing ferries at Essex-Charlotte, Vt., and Ticonderoga-Shoreham, Vt., go free and expanding their hours wasn't enough.

Operators of the independent Ticonderoga Ferry, which had been slated to close at the end of October, say they will try to keep running until the new ferry goes online.

PENDING PERMITS
The Champlain Bridge closed Oct. 16 after divers found severe cracks and erosion in concrete piers supporting the structure.

The New York State Department of Transportation has since announced the bridge cannot be repaired and a new span will be built in its place. Demolition of the 80-year-old bridge is expected to start before the end of the year.

Zicconi said he doesn't have a firm date yet for the start of ferry service at the bridge, since they're still getting the required permits. Some of the necessary permits have been obtained, but others are pending.

Clough Harbor and Associates of Albany is the engineering firm designing the infrastructure for the new ferry.

"The land work happens first, then the water work behind it," Zicconi said.

He said that once construction starts it should proceed fairly quickly.

"This is the week where we turn the corner. All the work behind the scenes that nobody sees is turning into the action you see."

E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com