High Water Sends Barge Into 14th Street Bridge
Monday, Mar 15, 2010 | Updated 9:30 PM EST
Diane S Murphy/flickr
High water levels caused a large barge to bump into the 14th Street Bridge, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The barge was stationed near the bridge Monday morning and loaded with supplies needed for construction on the bridge, Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill said. Flooding in the Potomac River pulled up a heavy pipe that anchors the barge, causing the vessel to break away and hit a bridge column.
An initial assessment showed no structural damage to the bridge or barge. Hill said the barge is now tied to the bridge as crews work with the company that owns the barge to decide where to move it.
The bridge, a major link between Virginia and Washington, is open to traffic. No injuries were reported.
Copyright Associated Press
Posted Monday, Mar 15, 2010 - 9:22 PM EST
