Smithfield Street Bridge reopens after barge hits span overnight
The Smithfield Street Bridge was closed for several hours overnight after a barge slammed into the structure, according to authorities.
The incident was reported around midnight, according to Allegheny County officials, who said there were no injuries or obvious damage to the structure.
Pittsburgh: Barge struck the Smithfield Street bridge. No injuries or obvious damage. Bridge will remain shut down until PennDot responds to inspect the bridge.
— Allegheny County (@Allegheny_Co) December 2, 2019
The bridge between Downtown and the South Side was reopened at around 3 a.m. after PennDOT inspectors determined it was safe for vehicles to use.
A spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard this morning said there were multiple barges involved in the crash.
Information about who owns the barges, what they were transporting and their destination was not available.
Tony LaRussa is a TribLive reporter. A Pittsburgh native, he covers crime and courts in the Alle-Kiski Valley. He can be reached at tlarussa@triblive.com.
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