Great Bridge Bypass Struck by Barge
October 4, 2007
One lane of the VA-168 Great Bridge Bypass was closed recently after a barge hit it. Investigators indicated that Public Works personnel received a call that something had hit the bypass hours after the barge and crane had actually hit it.
The crane was too tall to get under the bridge. Coast guard investigators say that's pretty serious.
Authorities stated the accident happened at 2 p.m., but that the crew with Norfolk Tug Company didn't notify the Coast Guard for several hours.
Peter Squicciarini, the Safety Manager at the Norfolk Tug Company said they contacted the US Coast Guard as soon as they had complete information regarding the event. Norfolk Tug Company is conducting its own internal investigation and is cooperating with the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is also investigating why the crew miscalculated the clearance. Public works says the scrapes are so minor they don't plan to fix them. Damages to the crane are estimated at $3,000. [Source: http://www.wavy.com]
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