HICKMAN, Ky. (AP) - A ferry that provides the only direct route between Kentucky and Missouri has reopened after being out of service nearly three months.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the Dorena-Hickman Ferry resumed service Tuesday. It had been closed since Nov. 17 while the boat was taken to a St. Louis shipyard for installation of two new engines and other equipment upgrades.

The ferry connects Kentucky 1354 at Hickman, Ky., with Missouri Route A and Route 77 near Dorena, Mo. When it is out of service, the 1 1/2-mile crossing of the river becomes an 85-mile drive via the Mississippi and Ohio River bridges at Cairo, Ill. Detouring by way of the Interstate 155 Mississippi River bridge at Dyersburg, Tenn., requires a 127-mile trip.