MANITOWOC, Wisc-Flooding in southern Wisconsin has lead to many road closures in the aftermath of last week’s storms, making travel extremely difficult. In addition, WisDOT has issued temporary suspension of oversize and overweight permits effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The 410’ S.S. Badger cross-lake ferry offers an alternative, with two daily trips from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI.
Scott Bauer, Transportation Manager for PDM Bridge in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is using the Historic Lake Michigan Carferry to move his oversize loads to Columbus, Ohio. “The Badger is the only way out of the state while the roads are shut down for any permit moves. It’s saving around 300 miles from driving up around the U.P. and with diesel fuel at $5/gallon, that’s not a feasible solution.”
Bauer adds that he may be using the S.S. Badger next week as well if roads don’t open for trucks carrying substantial weight. PDM Bridge is a company with expertise in fabricating complex bridge structures. Bauer indicated that during his tenure with PDM, he has moved oversize loads on the Badger many times including approximately 160 loads during construction of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron and also the completion of the S Curve in Grand Rapids.
According to Magee Johnson, director of media relations for Lake Michigan Carferry, “We are sold out for trucks on the afternoon trip from Manitowoc, tonight’s trip from Ludington, and we expect heavy commercial truck traffic for the balance of the week and possibly even next week.”
The Badger offers truck drivers many amenities in addition to cost savings and reduction of miles. Private staterooms for resting are available as well as free television, movies, bingo, two restaurant and bar areas, gift shop, spacious outdoor decks and a quiet room/museum. The Historic S.S. Badger operates on an abundant domestic fuel source and blends tradition with innovation. The Badger carries 620 passengers and 180 vehicles including semi-trucks, RVs, buses and motorcycles. For more information, call the commercial truck business office at (231) 843-1004, for general reservations 1-800-841-4243 or visit www.ssbadger.com. For a downloadable image of a commercial load at the S.S. Badger, click the link below:
