Barge hits, briefly closes Ohio River bridge

The U.S. 51 Ohio River bridge between Wickliffe, Ky., and Cairo, Ill., was closed briefly this morning after a barge struck the structure.

According to a news release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the bridge was closed to highway traffic around 2:40 a.m. today. After inspection the bridge was reopened around 4 a.m. and sustained no damage, according to public information officer Keith Todd.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that shortly after the incident the Cairo airport reported winds at 21 m.p.h., with gusts to 28 m.p.h., Todd said.