Little did I know that the Belle Chasse - Braithwaite ferry is also known as the Belle Chasse -
Scarsdale ferry. I was born in New Orleans and never knew that the east bank side of the river near Braithwaite was actually named Scarsdale. However, I'm simply going to refer to it as the Belle Chasse ferry; but I digress.
The Belle Chasse Ferry connects the towns of Belle Chasse and Braithwaite (Scarsdale) The ferry opened in sometime in the late 1950's was originally free of charge. Presently, tolls are it $1 for 2-axle vehicles, $2 for vehicles with at least 3 axles, and $.50 for motorcycles. According to the Plaquemines Parish government website, the eastbank ferry leaves every 15 and 45 minutes on the hour between 5:15 AM and 12:15 AM; the westbank ferry leaves on the top and bottom of every hour between 5 AM and Midnight.
With the closing of the Pointe-a-la-Hache Ferry in January 2013, the Belle Chasse Ferry became the furthest down river vehicle crossing of the Mississippi River. Therefore it's pretty convenient if you plan your crossings according to the published schedule. The current ferry, named Plaquemines Pride, was built in 2004 and is in very good shape.
Although many depend on the ferry for their transportation needs, I ride of of pure enjoyment; mostly for my son. The ferry is a favorite past-time for my him, and I haven't found a child who doesn't love to ride across the river. There's nothing like watching a child's excitement as the captain applies power and the props begin to kick up huge waves behind the boat and the whole deck vibrates from the power.
Happy times! read more