All articles tagged with #bridge closure
A fatal accident on the Hugh Thomas Bridge in Northport early Friday morning resulted in one death and two critical injuries. The Northport Police Department and the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit are investigating the collision involving two vehicles. The bridge remains closed for the investigation.
A large cargo ship, MSC Michigan 7, temporarily lost propulsion and forced the closure of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina. The US Coast Guard and local authorities managed to avert disaster by clearing the bridge and surrounding areas. The ship eventually regained control and anchored offshore, causing minor injuries and damage along its route. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about aging infrastructure and the increasing size of cargo vessels.
A large cargo ship lost control and sped through Charleston harbor, leading to the temporary closure of the Ravenel Bridge. Harbor pilots managed to guide the ship safely under the bridge, and it was anchored offshore. The incident caused minor injuries and damage from the ship's wake. The Coast Guard is investigating.
The bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir on U.S. Highway 50 in Colorado has been indefinitely closed due to a 3- to 4-inch crack in a steel beam, prompting a significant impact on traffic and emergency services. The closure, urged by federal highway officials, has left no available routes for emergency vehicles or local traffic to travel from Gunnison to Montrose without taking 300-mile detours that will take six to seven hours. The Colorado Department of Transportation is working to inspect the severity of the defects and find alternative routes for commuters, while Governor Jared Polis has been in touch with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg about the closure.
The bridge along U.S. 50 crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Colorado has been closed due to cracking in the T1 Steel used in its construction, leading to a lengthy detour for drivers. Inspectors found a crack in the steel girder midway through the bridge, and there is no estimate on when it will reopen or if repairs are needed. The recommended detour adds hours of travel time, and CDOT is exploring the feasibility of clearing local seasonal routes to reduce detour time for local travelers. While the closure impacts road travel, recreation on the Blue Mesa under the bridge is not affected, and travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for the latest road conditions.
Pittsburgh authorities closed several bridges as 26 barges carrying coal broke loose on the Ohio River, causing damage to a marina and prompting concerns about potential bridge collisions. The McKees Rocks Bridge was shut as a precaution, with the risk of the barges coming into contact with its substructure. The West End Bridge and the rail bridge to Brunot Island were also closed. A flood warning was in effect, and the barges caused extensive damage to a marina near Brunot Island. The incident raised concerns about the structural deficiencies of major bridges, and a search for the barges was initiated.
A construction worker was killed and two others injured when a portion of a tower construction crane collapsed onto the Southeast Third Avenue bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale, rendering the bridge inoperable to boats and cars indefinitely. The incident occurred during rush hour as workers were adding sections to the crane, causing a platform failure that sent equipment plummeting onto the bridge. The drawbridge sustained damage, and investigations by the Florida Department of Transportation, Fort Lauderdale Police, OSHA, and the U.S. Coast Guard are underway. The construction company involved has not provided a statement, and the mayor and police chief have expressed condolences for the tragedy.
A section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia is closed for several days after a truck carrying an oversize load struck a railroad bridge, causing major traffic delays and disrupting rail service. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, and New Jersey Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line service is also impacted. The closure is expected to last several days, and NJ Transit rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by bus and PATCO.
The Sherman Minton bridge in both east and westbound directions is closed until further notice due to the need for immediate inspection and possible repair of a component on the main span during scheduled deck pour operations. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes such as I-265 and I-65, and regional traffic signs and variable message boards will be posted to notify drivers of the closure and alternate route. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Manitou Dr. in Shoto, Manitowoc County, is closed with a police presence and the bridge blocked off to traffic, possibly related to the search for missing three-year-old Elijah Vue. The Two Rivers Police Department announced they would be searching through the night, and caution tape can be seen in the area.
Gov. Dan McKee and RIDOT will announce a new traffic pattern for the indefinitely closed westbound side of the Washington Bridge to alleviate daily traffic congestion, impacting businesses in East Providence and Providence since the closure in December. The closure, originally planned for three months, was prompted by an engineer's discovery of a severe problem in July. RIDOT had introduced a temporary traffic pattern in February and will revise it as needed. The announcement will be made at a briefing at 1:30 p.m. and livestreamed on TurnTo10.com.
RIDOT Director Peter Alviti apologized for the disruption caused by the closure of the westbound Washington Bridge and defended his track record during a joint hearing with lawmakers. The closure was due to "previously unknown" defects, and a finished analysis of what needs to happen will be completed by the end of the month. Lawmakers expressed frustration and concern over the situation, while Alviti emphasized the agency's commitment to safety and ongoing efforts to address traffic problems. The closure has raised questions about planning, design, engineering, maintenance, and inspections, and RIDOT is commissioning a forensic analysis of the bridge to provide answers.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee urges a comprehensive review of the issues surrounding the Washington Bridge, emphasizing that problems date back to 2018. The bridge's closure has caused significant traffic disruptions and led to federal investigations into the use of funds. Criticism has been directed at McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, with concerns raised about the leadership and handling of the bridge debacle. Multiple lawsuits and delays have surrounded the bridge project, and the governor is now taking steps to address the situation, including dispatching senior staff to deal with the issues directly.
Internal emails obtained by Target 12 reveal that engineers at RIDOT acknowledged the section of the Washington Bridge that led to its sudden closure had been hard to see until construction work made it "noticeable." The emails also show state officials' frantic efforts to address the crisis, with concerns raised about the deterioration of rods holding up the bridge. RIDOT's public statements about the bridge failure's cause contrast with internal analysis, prompting a forensic investigation. Additionally, frustration is evident in the emails over the inability to secure emergency federal funding due to the bridge not collapsing or being damaged by a natural disaster.
The U.S. Department of Justice and Office of Inspector General are investigating alleged false claims for payment and statements related to work and inspections on the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island. The governor's office has confirmed the investigation and is cooperating, while also hiring an independent expert to review the matter. The bridge's westbound span remains shut down, and a new, longer timeline for identifying repairs has emerged. Lawmakers are planning oversight hearings, and state employees are being reminded of options to work from home due to the bridge closure.