Roads and Maritime Services advises motorists the Ulmarra ferry across the Clarence River will not be in service on the mornings of Thursday January 31 and Wednesday February 6. 

The ferry will be out of operation between 9.30am and 1.30pm on Thursday January 31 to allow for the replacement of the ferry drive cable.

On Wednesday February 6 the ferry’s scheduled monthly service will be carried out between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Motorists can use Grafton Bridge or the Lawrence Ferry as an alternative and are advised to plan their journey, allow extra travel time and follow all traffic signs.

Electronic message signs will be in place at Maclean, Lawrence and Queen Streets in Grafton to remind motorists of the changed traffic conditions.

Users of the Bluff Point ferry, Lawrence are advised that mandatory three year maritime certification checks will be carried out on the main 24 car ferry at Lawrence from February 6.

A major service including painting will also take place and the ferry will be towed to Port Macquarie for this work.

The 18 car back up ferry will be in operation from February 6 for approximately four weeks. Although there will be no planned interruption to service during this time, it will mean no back up ferry is in place and some delays may be experienced during busier times.

Ferry users are encouraged to plan their journey when using the ferry service and consider using alternative routes during this time.

Ferry users can also access the latest traffic information by calling 132 701, visiting livetraffic.com or by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app.

Roads and Maritime thanks motorists for their patience during this time.