ST. LANDRY, La (WVLA) The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) originally planned to close the Melville ferry this week, but those plans have changed.

Originally scheduled to be shut down on Oct. 9, the ferry will now continue to take passengers until Dec. 31. The reason, according to Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, is due to an urgent request from area producers and state Sen. Eric LaFleur to keep the service in operation through harvest season.

“Area producers use the ferry to transport farm equipment across the Atchafalaya River, saving time and fuel,” Strain said in a press release. “Closing the ferry in Melville is the equivalent to closing I-49 in Lafayette,” LaFleur continued. The ferry is the connection for the economic vitality of Melville and that area of St. Landry Parish, particularly for agriculture.”

The crops grown in the Melville area includes soybeans and sweet potatoes, which are currently being harvested.