Tow hits bridge Saturday; barges stay intact
Published 10:11 am Monday, April 13, 2020
No barges were dislodged after a southbound 25-barge tow struck pier 4 on the old Highway 80 bridge Saturday morning.
Bridge Superintendent Herman Smith said the Motor Vessel Blake Benton, operated by Marquette Transportation of Paducah, Ky., struck the pier about 7:11 a.m. Saturday. He said the pier had minor damage and rail traffic was resumed about 11:06 a.m. Smith said the barges were carrying dry cargo.
He said the tow was in a good position heading toward the bridge, but veered toward pier 3. The pilot attempted to avoid hitting it and overcompensated, hitting pier 4. There were no injuries.