Barge tow strikes Old Highway 80 bridge

Published 8:11 am Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Old Highway 80 bridge has been closed to rail traffic after it was struck by a southbound 30-barge tow.

Bridge superintendent Herman Smith said the MV Chad Tregrache operated by Marquette Transportation of Paduchah, Kentucky, struck the bridge about 7:04 a.m. Wednesday. All the barges are grain barges, he said.

The tow struck pier 3 on the bridge and broke apart, with one barge sinking. He said the Mississippi River has been closed to barge traffic.

The strike is the second this year.

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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