The Prudence Island Ferry is expected to resume full service this weekend as work on the dock in Bristol wraps up.

Contractors working for ferry operator A&R Marine are finishing up installing a new ramp and gallows at the dock on Thames Street, and should complete the project by the end of the week, according to Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. The Portsmouth Town Council also reported at a meeting Monday night that car service should resume to the island by Saturday.

“It’ll be done for the Fourth,” Mr. Contente said, acknowledging the project ran past the expected completion date. “Bottom line everyone worked well together to make sure the project got done. It looks much safer. It’s a load off my mind. I was afraid when I first came in we were going to have to shut it down. I’m very happy it’s no longer a safety hazard.”

The project was originally expected to be completed before Memorial Day, but delays caused by weather and a partial wall collapse at the dock delayed SumCo Eco Contracting’s work to prepare the dock for the new ramp. Many of the delays were beyond SumCo’s control, Mr. Contente said, so he doesn’t expect to enforce a $250 per day penalty for running beyond the May 11 target date. He also does not expect Bristol, Portsmouth or A&R to pay more than the $59,900 each agreed to chip in to pay for the repairs.

“Considering the weather and the arguments they have, I don’t think we’ll fine them,” Mr. Contente said, noting the town had not yet met with the contractor to discuss final terms. “They haven’t filed any cost overruns, and I don’t see where there would be any. I don’t feel as if the town is liable for any overruns.”

The resumption of car service on the ferry is welcome news for island residents and visitors who have had to either leave a car on both sides of the bay, or find alternative transportation once off the boat. Parking has been an expense and an inconvenience for islanders who have needed to stash a car in Bristol.