Thebes bridge reopens after barge strikes it Friday

The train bridge over the Mississippi River at Thebes, Illinois, reopened Saturday after being struck by a barge Friday evening.

Union Pacific Railroad Co. spokeswoman Calli Hite wrote by email the railroad was notified the bridge had been struck about 8:40 p.m. Friday.

The bridge was closed until a member of Union Pacific's inspection team assessed the bridge for damage.

No damage was found. During the interim, three trains were delayed, Hite said.

The bridge reopened to rail traffic about noon Saturday.

Damage to the barge was unknown.

Friday's accident marks the second time this year a barge has struck the bridge. In July, a barge sank after striking the bridge, but the bridge sustained no damage.

Pertinent address:

Thebes, Ill.