Tow hits both bridges over the Mississippi River

Published 2:03 pm Monday, April 27, 2020

A northbound towboat pushing what is believed to be a 28- or 32-barge tow struck the old U.S. 80 bridge and then two piers on the Interstate 20 bridge about 12:30 p.m. Monday, superintendent Herman Smith said.

He said the tow had passed the I-20 bridge when the current caught the tow and pushed into the old 80 bridge. The tow initially struck pier 4 of the U. S. 80 bridge and broke apart with barges striking piers 2 and 3 on the bridge.

Barges also hit the W-1 and E-1 piers on the I-20 bridge. None of the barges sank, Smith said.

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.