High Speed Ferry Could Make Its Way To Norfolk

According to the Daily Press, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization is considering the idea of bringing a "cross harbor fast ferry system that could serve as an alternate mode of transportation for those commuting between the Peninsula and Southside."

CC Image courtesy of infomatique on Flickr

If the plan comes to fruition, it would mark the return of the the ferry service, which prior to the 1957 opening of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, was the only commercial option for commuters who needed to cross the harbor.

Ferries that could carry up to 149 passengers and travel about 35 mph would be considered for the project and several locations are being looked at as docking facilities, including Craney Island, Fort Monroe, downtown Newport News, Norfolk's Harbor Park and land near Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.  Harbor Park could be a key stop, especially if Norfolk's stays the course with their plan to build a multi-modal transportation center, to include rail, light rail, and bus.