Tow hits Ohio River bridge at Cairo

The Ohio River Bridge in Cairo, Ill., was closed for about an hour and a half Monday after it was hit by a barge, said Keith Todd, a spokesman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

A tow of 27 barges, mostly carrying coal, hit a pier on the bridge at about 1:20 p.m. Two of the coal barges sank about a half mile from the bridge, Todd said.

The bridge crosses into Illinois from Wickliffe, Ky., carrying traffic from U.S. 51, 60 and 62. Todd said the bridge was inspected for about an hour. Because there was no structural damage, the bridge was reopened at 3 p.m.

The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.