Officials open U.S. 62 bridge over Arkansas River

April 15, 2008 02:16 am

— Officials have opened the U.S. 62 bridge over the Arkansas River after seven barges hit bridge supports late Monday night.
East-bound lanes were opened around 10 p.m. while officials assessed damage. One lane of west-bound traffic was opened around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. The remaining lane is closed for repairs unrelated to the accident.
Muskogee Police Department spokesman Brad Holt said eight barges broke loose from the Port of Muskogee and seven hit the bridge between Fort Gibson and Muskogee. The eighth barge went under the bridge.
Muskogee Assistant Police Chief Johnny Teehee said emergency management and other officials used boats to estimate the damage. Officials from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation were on site.
No accidents or injuries were reported as a result of the barges hitting the bridge.