White's Ferry Study

Ferry service across the Potomac River is recognized as an important part of the region’s transportation network. White’s Ferry ceased operations on December 28, 2020, following a Circuit Court opinion in a private lawsuit over the use of private land for the ferry landing in Virginia. Prior to closing, White’s Ferry transported approximately 600 to 800 vehicles per day across the river and connected bicyclists and pedestrians between Loudoun County Virginia and Montgomery County Maryland. 

Loudoun County will work jointly with Montgomery County to conduct the study of the White’s Ferry’s operations as well as an evaluation of land ownership and acquisition scenarios for the Virginia landing. The study will evaluate the long-term feasibility and reliability of Potomac River ferry service between Loudoun and Montgomery Counties and help identify alternatives for ferry operations with a common goal of re-establishing daily ferry service that benefits the community. 

The joint study is being led by the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. The study’s scope will include:

• Roadway access and ferry use along with any other pertinent transportation issues;
• Identifying legal and regulatory requirements associated with ferry operations;
• Landing site improvements and landing location options; and
• Operating alternatives that may include a public/private partnership.