Mechanical issues shut down Fort Simpson, N.W.T. ferry crossing

There is still no reopening date for the ferry in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., which was closed on Saturday morning due to mechanical issues.

The M.V. Lafferty ferry crosses the Liard River near Fort Simpson. While it is closed, both Fort Simpson and Wrigley, N.W.T. are cut off from the rest of the territory's highway system.

The vesselneeds "extensive work" before it can be reopened, the N.W.T. Department of Infrastructure said in a social media update on Saturday afternoon.

The department will need to bring in specialized technicians from Edmonton to complete the work as well asship in several parts weighing up to 180 kilograms, according to the update.

"We anticipate the work to be completed within a week," the update said.

This was the second closure for the M.V. Lafferty within a week. It was shut downfor several hours on Wednesday because of a problem with itspropeller.

It's not the only ferry closurein the N.W.T. in recent weeks. The M.V.Louis Cardinal ferry in Tsiigetchic closed for five days last week, stranding travellers on either side of the Dempster Highway connecting N.W.T. to Yukon.