This information pertains to Southern Tier, Sections 5 and 6.
The St. Francisville, LA ferry has been closed sporadically due to a fuel tank leak. This ferry can also be closed in the spring due to high water levels on the Mississippi River.
When the ferry is closed there are two options for crossing the river:
1)US 190
2)Plaquemine ferry.
Eastbound access to US 190:From New Roads (map 78), ride southeast on Hwy. 415 to Baton Rouge and the US 190 bridge. The bridge has no shoulders and carries high speed traffic so you need to be VERY careful crossing it. The bridge also has joints which will puncture tires. Hitching a ride across may be your best bet or the Baton Rouge Police Dept. may be able to assist you in crossing, call 225-389-3874 to arrange. The bridge is about 27 mi. south of New Roads.
Eastbound access to Plaquemine ferry:Follow directions above continuing past US 190 all the way to Plaquemine using Hwy. 988 as much as possible, about another 18 mi. After crossing the river, head north on Hwy. 991 to Baton Rouge.
Once in Baton Rouge, you can head back to the route and rejoin it at St. Francisville using the Baton Rouge Spur. OR ride north out of Baton Rouge on SR 67/Plank Rd. LA DOT says SR 67 has a 4' paved shoulder with heavy traffic but it should decrease as you travel north. According to Google Earth, there are a few services (no lodging) along the way but not many. This will intersect with the ST on Map 80, near Woodland on SR 432 and is about 40 miles.
Westbound access to US 190:From Woodland (map 80), continue south on SR 67 to Baton Rouge, then local roads to US 190. LA DOT says SR 67 has a 4' paved shoulder with heavy traffic but it should decrease as you travel north. According to Google Earth, there are a few services (no lodging) along the way but not many. The US 190 bridge has no shoulders and carries high speed traffic so you need to be VERY careful crossing it. The bridge also has joints which will puncture tires. Hitching a ride across may be your best bet or the West Baton Rouge Sheriff may be able to assist you in crossing, call 225-343-9234 to arrange.
Westbound access to Plaquemine ferry:Follow directions above continuing through Baton Rouge and onto Hwy. 991 to Plaquemine. After crossing the river on the ferry, head north on Hwy. 988 (as much as possible) to Hwy. 415 to New Roads.
For further information:
LA DOT customer service: 877-452-3683, 7 AM - 6 PM
LA DOT Ferry Information: 888-613-3779
LA DOT ferry status website:
http://www.dotd.state.la.us/ferry/
