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Texas bridge closed indefinitely after it was struck by multiple loose barges

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Texas transportation officials say that they’ve shut down a major bridge until further notice after it was struck by barges overnight.

All lanes of the I-10 East Freeway bridge over the San Jacinto River are closed Friday morning after the structure was hit by at least two of the nine barges that broke loose on the river overnight.

There appears to be major structural damage to the bridge. Authorities are also concerned that the barges underneath the bridge may contain combustible materials.

I-10 closed after barges break loose, hit bridge near Houston

WATCH: This bridge along I-10 in Texas is shut down after rushing waters slammed a barge into its supports.Story: http://www.wbrz.com/news/i-10-closed-after-barges-break-loose-hit-bridge-near-houston

Posted by WBRZ Channel 2 on Friday, September 20, 2019

The Texas Department of Transportation isn’t able to inspect the bridge because of high waters caused by Tropical Storm Imelda. There is no estimated time for the bridge to reopen.

Tolls are being waived at the Sam Houston Tollway Ship Channel Bridge because of the bridge closure.

Transportation officials are detouring traffic off of I-10 east at Magnolia and west at Crosby-Lynchburg.

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