Authorities in Pittsburgh closed several bridges as a precaution after 26 barges loaded with coal broke loose on the Ohio River late Friday, drifting miles downstream and causing damage to a marina. The McKees Rocks Bridge and the West End Bridge were both closed due to the risk that the barges could come into contact with the bridge substructure. The rail bridge to nearby Brunot Island was also closed, as the barges continued downstream, with some going over the Emsworth Dam.
The situation raised concerns about the safety of major bridges, especially after a recent incident in Baltimore where a container ship struck the Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and leading to several deaths. Pittsburgh authorities immediately started a search for the barges once they were reported adrift, and it was unclear why the barges broke free in the first place. Despite extensive damage to the marina near Brunot Island, there were no hazardous materials on board the barges.
With a flood warning in effect for Allegheny County, which includes the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, water levels had risen above the flood stage by early Saturday. The closure of these important bridges due to the loose barges highlighted the potential risks associated with river transportation and the importance of ensuring the safety of infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and accidents.
