Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti said during a press conference on Thursday afternoon that a total of three ferry boats could begin shuttling as many as 500 passengers between Bristol and Providence as soon as this coming Monday, Dec. 18, at 6 a.m. — weather permitting.

“We’re pretty sure that the infrastructure will be in place,” Alviti told reporters. “I think the opening is questionable because some major storm conditions we’re going to be facing on Monday morning may push the opening time of the ferry service.”

Alviti said that the state had secured arrangements with three undisclosed ferry providers to depart every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. to bring people from  Bristol to India Point Park in Providence, and vice versa, throughout the week.

Alviti added that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) had joined in the partnership to provide continuous shuttle bus services from the ferry landings in each location.

Upon landing in Providence, shuttles would take people from India Point Park to Kennedy Plaza (where commuters can connect with other bus lines), and to the train station.

People embarking on the ferry from the Bristol side would be able to park at Colt State Park and be shuttled to the ferry from there, which will launch from the Town Marina off Thames Street.

Alviti said that the operating hours could change depending on identified needs as the situation develops.