Life in Chesapeake City was disrupted on July 28, 1942, when the tanker Franz Klasen crashed into and destroyed the street-level lift bridge connecting Lock Street on the north side and George Street on the south side of town. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers then built slips on both sides of the waterway and placed the Gotham, a 40-car ferry, in 24 hour toll free service, running every 30 minutes from November 1942 to September 1949. Local resident Edward Sheridan became one of the captains after proving his ability to dock the ferry. Strong winds, tidal currents, ship traffic, and local emergencies often made the crossing exciting, and although pedestrian ferry service began within a week, vehicular service was delayed until January 15, 1943, while slips were dredged, landing docks and movable ramps were built, and the Maryland State Highway Commission completed the approach roadway later known as Ferry Slip Road by filling part of the marsh behind Bohemia Avenue. The north side landing stood just west of the Presbyterian church on Biddle Street, and those unwilling to wait had the alternative of Summit Bridge, though gas rationing did not always make that possible. Because replacement of the bridge required strategic war materials, completion was delayed until September 1949, and while some homes were moved, 27 properties had to be condemned.