Update: Kennedy Boulevard Bridge Closed Until Further Notice

Update Nov. 4, 4:59 p.m.: The city of Tampa says the bridge will be closed at least through Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier:

Motorists traveling through downtown Tampa are going to want to avoid the Kennedy Boulevard bridge for at least a day or so.

A barge carrying a crane for construction on the Kennedy segment of the Tampa Riverwalk hit the bridge, leaving it stuck in the upright position. Kennedy Boulevard is now closed in both directions between Ashley Drive and North Boulevard, according to the City of Tampa.

“Based on preliminary information available, the barge was transporting the crane from the staging area to north of Kennedy Boulevard,” the city explained on its Facebook page. “It traveled too close to the western side of the bridge, where a cable on the crane somehow became snagged. It was then pulled halfway off of the barge. There were no injuries reported.”
Crews are now working at the scene to stabilize the crane and remove it from the bridge.

Before the bridge can reopen, the city and the Florida Department of Transportation need to inspect it for safety.

It is unclear at this time when the bridge might reopen to traffic.

Motorists are asked to expect delays in downtown Tampa and to allow for extra time for travel. The city asks that drivers use the Platt Street Bridge to get into downtown and the Cass Street Bridge to exit.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the City of Tampa