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A temporary closure of the Keller Ferry begins today, Dec. 4, making travelers between Keller and Wilbur follow an hour detour.

They ferry will be closed until Dec. 23, while the Washington State Department of Transportation performs repairs on it.

The closure of the M/V Sanpoil, is “for crews working for (WSDOT) to make permanent repairs to the hull and allow the United States Coast Guard to inspect the vessel,” an announcement on the WSDOT website says.

“During the closure the ferry will be moved to dry ground near the Keller Ferry Rest Area. While the ferry is out of the water, crews will weld cracks and add struts to reduce stress on the hull. Once the repairs are complete, the Coast Guard will inspect the vessel.”

The ferry is scheduled to resume service on Monday, Dec. 23.

“Travelers planning trips across the Columbia River on SR 21 should choose an alternate route during the closure via SR 25 or SR 155 and SR 174. Plan additional time for travel as it can take up to an hour to complete the detour.”