New Brussels Ferry for IDOT

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) owns and operates two vehicle ferries that cross the Illinois River. These ferries tie Calhoun and Green Counties with Jersey County, near Brussels, Illinois. Service is provided round-the-clock, with more than 250 daily crossings. Normally, a single tug-barge unit operates at each of the two crossings. At peak demand, when feasible, a second tug-barge unit is put into service to mitigate a long line of waiting vehicles at the landings. In order to better meet peak demand, as well as retain a spare unit available in case of mechanical failure, IDOT has begun the process to upgrade its fleet.

Art Anderson Associates was retained to provide naval architecture and marine engineering design to construct a new ferry unit. Our services began with a trade-off study examining options for a new ferry. We examined three distinct ferry schemes, including a tug-barge unit matching the Belle of Calhoun (the newest ferry in IDOT's fleet); a similar, but larger tug-barge unit; and a double-ended ferryboat. This study examined trends in demand, pushboat and barge modifications to consider, construction cost, fuel consumption, vessel life cycle and design options.

The result of the trade-off study was that a new tug-barge composite unit that is slightly larger than the Belle Calhoun is the optimal solution. Art Anderson Associates is currently preparing plans and specifications, estimates for fabrication, advertisement/procurement assistance, and owner's representation during fabrication and delivery. In addition, we are leading efforts to acquire all necessary US Coast Guard approvals, vessel documentation and certification of the completed ferry so that it can be placed into service.

The estimated construction cost for the new ferry is $15M, and design work is currently underway.