Details are sketchy,but the downtown commute got messy when the Interstate 30 bridge was closed as a precaution for inspection after a barge hit one of the pier protection structures meant to block errant vessels from striking the bridge piers.

The Coast Guard closed the span, but Josh Berry of Fox 16/KARK reported at 4:46 p.m. that the bridge had been reopened to traffic a few minutes earlier. It would appear it was closed for 30 minutes or so.

Advertisement

The closure blocked traffic from approaching the bridge from either the south or north. During the closure, I-630 eastbound traffic was routed south when it hit I-30 in downtown Little Rock.

The closure produced jams on alternate bridges downtown over the Arkansas River.

Advertisement

Sheriff’s office said:

Around 1600 hours, PCSO was notified by Game and Fish that a barge had possibly struck the I-30 Bridge. Sheriff’s Deputies and Game & Fish responded to the bridge. One of the PCSO Water Patrol boats is currently on the water with the bridge inspectors (and Game & Fish). At this time, I am being told the barge struck one of the bumpers protecting the bridge supports and the bridge was not actually struck. The inspectors are checking the bridge thoroughly to ensure nothing is structurally wrong. I was just informed by our Communications Center that traffic on the I-30 bridge is back to normal.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Open late: Gallery 26, with Henry, Emil, Chanslor Next article Bill Carter talks Kennedy and Arkansas