Both Vicksburg bridges hit in multi-barge breakaway

(VICKSBURG, Miss.) — A northbound tow consisting of 28 barges struck three piers of the Old Highway 80 bridge over the Mississippi River on Monday afternoon, with some of the barges hitting the Interstate 20 bridge after the tow broke apart, The Vicksburg Post reported.

Bridge superintendent Herman Smith said the towboat Capt. Buck Lay was heading upriver with 15 full and 13 empty barges when the incident occurred. The tow had passed the I-20 bridge when the current caught it and pushed it into the Old Highway 80 span, he said.

The strike closed the bridge to rail traffic. It was the third time one or both of the bridges have been struck in April.

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By Professional Mariner Staff