Florida Bridge Struck By Massive Barge, Closed For Structure Evaluation
FORT WALTON BEACH (CBSMiami/AP) — A Florida bridge is closed after being slammed by a barge.
Authorities along the Florida Panhandle have closed off a highway bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway after two towering poles being hauled with other heavy equipment on barges struck the bridge's underside.
The incident happened Saturday night along a busy waterway in Fort Walton Beach.
Brooks Bridge carries U.S. Route 98 traffic over the Santa Rosa Sound between downtown Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.
The Okaloosa Sheriff's Office says the bridge is closed until the structure can be evaluated and determined to be safe. The Coast Guard will investigate.
Witnessed noticed that the barge, which was filled with construction equipment, appeared to be very tall and close to the bridge.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)