GAGETOWN, N.B. -- The New Brunswick government says the Gagetown ferry is expected to be back in service by early July.

The province says the ferry was removed from service in February following a routine inspection.

It says a further inspection was needed that involved removing the ferry's hull from the water.

The government says that work could only be carried out once the ice cleared from the St. John River.

Once the ferry is operational, the ferry will operate on a reduced schedule of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and new vehicle volume and weight restrictions will be applied.