White's Ferry Study
Overview and Study Results
Ferry service across the Potomac River is recognized as an important part of the region’s transportation network. White’s Ferry ceased operations on December 28, 2020, following a Circuit Court opinion in a private lawsuit over the use of private land for the ferry landing in Virginia. Prior to closing, White’s Ferry transported approximately 600 to 800 vehicles per day across the river and connected bicyclists and pedestrians between Montgomery County, Maryland, and Loudoun County, Virginia.
Montgomery County worked jointly with Loudoun County to conduct a study of the White’s Ferry’s operations as well as an evaluation of land ownership and acquisition scenarios for the Virginia landing. The study evaluated the long-term feasibility and reliability of the Potomac River ferry service between Montgomery and Loudoun Counties, and helped identify alternatives for ferry operations with a common goal of re-establishing daily ferry service that benefits the community.
The joint study was led by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure. The study’s scope includes:
- Roadway access and ferry use along with any other pertinent transportation issues
- Identifying legal and regulatory requirements associated with ferry operations.
- Landing site improvements and landing location options.
- Operating alternatives that may include a public/private partnership.
The study includes the following chapters:
0. Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. Legal and Environmental Compliance
3. Transportation Operations
4. Potential Alternatives
5. Economic Impacts and Opportunities
6. Fiscal Analysis
7. Summary
