Bridge reopens after being hit by barge

CAIRO, Ill. -- A bridge that had been closed after being hit by a barge has reopened.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet closed the U.S. 51 Ohio River Bridge at Cairo on Thursday morning at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard after a barge hit one of the piers, according to an email from the cabinet.

The email stated the Coast Guard reported the Motor Vessel Arthur E. Snyder was pushing five empty barges about 10 a.m. when a wind gust pushed the tow into the pier.

The barge that hit the pier had what was described as a telephone-pole-sized dent, and the pier had what appeared to be a scrape, according to the email. The impact snapped cables securing the barges.

About 11:30 a.m., a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet inspector determined the Cairo bridge had no structural damage, and the bridge was reopened to traffic.

Pertinent address:

US 51 Ohio River Bridge, Cairo, IL