Barges hit old U.S. 80, I-20 bridges

Published 5:31 pm Sunday, December 16, 2018

The old U.S. 80 bridge was closed Sunday afternoon after it and the Interstate 20 bridge were struck by barges from a southbound 30-barge tow about 2:25 p.m., Warren County bridge superintendent Herman Smith said.

He said the I-20 bridge remained open to traffic.

He said the tow containing 29 grain barges and one empty broke after hitting pier 3 on the old bridge. Another barge hit the old bridge a second time on pier 2. Other barges from the tow hit piers E1 and E2 on the I-20 bridge.

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About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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