Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry sees increased traffic

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry has seen increased traffic this week as commuters try to get around congestion on the Isabel Holmes and Thomas Rhodes Bridges.

On Wednesday last week, the ferry served 281 vehicles. This week that number nearly doubled to 461 vehicles on Thursday, according to the NCDOT.

Southport Resident Samara Pierce said even with ferry travel time, she still prefers sitting on the water over sitting in traffic on the way to Wilmington.  

 “I work at Island Montessori Charter School on Carolina Beach Rd. near Ashley High School, and it just makes sense to me instead of having like an over an hour commute, just take the ferry,” Pierce said. 

But it’s not just commuters who are deciding to take the ferry.  

“So, I have joint custody of my son, and I live in Boiling Spring Lakes, and his father lives near Murray Middle,” Elisha Hall explained. “So, he goes to Murray Middle, he’s always been in New Hanover schools, and we usually just drive across the bridge on my week.”  

For Hall, the route is about accommodating more than just a job.  

 “You know, we’re leaving the house at six and he’s not getting home till six, and, you know, he’s a kid,” Hall said. “I just don’t know how they could do this.”  

For drivers who use the ferry regularly like Deyanira Romo Rossell, the increased traffic is making her rethink when she leaves her house.  

“Usually, we’re pretty light in the morning, and now we’re up to two lanes so I can really tell the difference and it’s making me think I’m going to have to get here a little bit earlier.”