WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - State transportation officials say the White Castle ferry is expected to return to service during the last week of August after crews complete repairs to the vessel's propeller shaft.

The Department of Transportation and Development has hired a contractor to perform the repairs and is waiting for a dry-dock to become available at the shipyard, which will be no later than Aug. 6. DOTD estimates it will take about two weeks to complete the repairs.

When finished, DOTD will schedule an inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard and then return the ferry to service.

Service initially stopped June 14 after the propeller shaft's problems were found.