ALBANY - Governor David Paterson and Vermont Governor Jim Douglas Monday announced transportation alternatives so that residents can cross Lake Champlain in the wake of the Lake Champlain Bridge being closed.

New York and Vermont have reached an agreement with the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry operator to offer free ferry service between Ticonderoga, New York and Shoreham, Vermont and with Lake Champlain Transportation to offer free ferry service at the Essex/Charlotte crossing. Also, starting Tuesday, free express bus service will bring commuters to three major employers in Vermont. Pedestrian ferry service has also been established north of the Lake Champlain Bridge between Westport, New York and Basin Harbor, Vermont.

At the direction of both governors Vermont transportation officials continue to explore additional ferry service options. The Ticonderoga Ferry and Essex/Charlotte Ferry have already extended their operating hours, utilizing lights provided by the New York State Department of Transportation.

The states are also examining options for an expanded vehicle ferry service that could accommodate trucks at the Ticonderoga ferry location.

The two states continue to move forward with structural assessments of the Lake Champlain Bridge. Diving inspections performed last week and over the weekend revealed that two piers supporting the bridge are in need of repair. Additional piers will undergo further underwater inspections this week, after deep mud and zebra mussels are removed from the structures. A plan is being developed to encase the deteriorating piers in reinforced concrete, though the repair work could take several months to complete.