A barge carrying a crane associated with the construction of the Kennedy segment of the Tampa Riverwalk has hit Kennedy Bridge. Kennedy Boulevard is closed in both directions between Ashley Drive and North Boulevard for the time being.
Based on preliminary information available, the barge was transporting the crane from the staging area located south of Kennedy Boulevard to north of Kennedy Boulevard. It traveled too close to the western side of the bridge, where a cable on the crane somehow became snagged. It was then pulled halfway off of the barge. There were no injuries reported.
Crews at the scene are working to secure the crane, detach it from the bridge, remove it from of the water, and place it back onto the barge. City of Tampa and Florida Department of Transportation officials must inspect the bridge to ensure that no damage was done before it can reopen to traffic. The bridge will remain closed to traffic while this all takes place. At this point, there is no available estimate as to when that will occur.
For motorists traveling into and out of downtown Tampa, please allow for extra time and plan to take alternate routes. Motorists traveling into downtown are advised to use the Platt Street Bridge. For motorists traveling out of downtown, use the Cass Street Bridge.
