For those of you who might take the Ft. Fisher - Southport Ferry to and from the south end, this article was in the October 13 issue of the Wilmington Star News, from the opening line:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20081013/ARTICLES/810130180/1017/news01?Title=Ferry_at_Fort_Fisher_to_shut_down_in_December_and_January
"Beginning Dec. 1, the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry will be shut down for about two months as a contractor rehabilitates ramps at both ends of the route."
Here is the link to the entire story: http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20081013/ARTICLES/810130180/1017/news01?Title=Ferry_at_Fort_Fisher_to_shut_down_in_December_and_January