Two Barges Strike Jordan Bridge

The Coast Guard is responding Monday to a report of two grain barges that broke away from their pier and struck the Jordan Bridge on the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads received a report at approximately 12:30 a.m. from the Chesapeake Police Department, stating two 260-foot barges struck the bridge.

Watchstanders deployed a crew from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small to investigate. Chesapeake police units also responded.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., crews aboard the tugboats Sea Coast and Eleen MaCalister removed the barges and took them to the Perdue Farms Grain Wharf.

There was no visible damage to the bridge, and river and road traffic remains open.

Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads inspectors are scheduled to conduct a follow-up inspection Monday.

www.uscg.mil