Windermere Ferry is on track to begin operating again this week.
The Mallard has been out of the water for five weeks so far for its maintenance and refit programme.
The last week’s work saw the complete overhaul of the system, including replacing one of the deck hatches and rebuilding hydraulic pumps and motors.
The reinstallation onboard the ferry has been taking place and contractors worked over the weekend to complete it and recommission the system.
Inspections have also been completed on the two fuel tanks and the hull bolts with no issues being found with either.
The plan for the final week of the programme is to relaunch Mallard into the lake tomorrow, Monday May 20, and tow her back to the Ferry Nab slipway for final work to be completed and the machinery and systems recommissioned ready for Friday, May 24.
The repainting work, carried out by Workington-based firm Stobbarts Ltd, continued on the exterior of the hull and deckhouse which has has been completed, and on the car deck, with only the lane lines left to do.
Repainting of the two ramps has also been progressed and was due to be completed this weekend.
Wooded fenders that protect Mallard’s hull from damage if she inadvertently comes into contact with the slipways have also been replaced.
While the ferry is out of service, drivers are encouraged to follow the signed diversion via the A591 to Ambleside then onto B5286 to Hawkshead.
Windermere Lake Cruises also launched the Cross Lake Shuttle foot passenger service. There are 10 crossings a day, with the first sailing leaving Bowness Pier 3 at 9.55am and the last return from Ash Landing at 5.05pm.
