The Hart Bridge is now back open after being closed for about two hours, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
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The Florida Department of Transportation told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant a crane on a barge overturned close to the bridge on the Northbank side.
FDOT’s concern is the crane could hit the bridge. FDOT said divers were in the water, ensuring there was no damage from underneath.
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FDOT initially said it could be a few hours before the bridge opens, but traffic started flowing over the bridge a little after 11 a.m.
The barge owner is Fincantieri; they’re the ones who have to secure the barge. FDOT can’t touch it.
Action News Jax reached out to Fincantieri, and it gave the following statement:
“This morning a crane barge moored along the St. Johns River at Fincantieri Marine Repair began sinking at Commodores Point, near downtown Jacksonville. The barge is approximately 45 feet wide by 110 feet long, and it has remained secured at the shipyard even though it is slowly taking on water. There were no injuries reported, and Fincantieri officials continue coordinating with local, state and federal authorities. The cause of the incident is under investigation. A small portion of FMR’s shipyard along the St. Johns River is underneath the Hart Bridge, and although the crane did not appear to be an immediate threat to the bridge, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office temporarily stopped vehicle traffic as a precaution. Following an assessment, the Sheriff’s office reopened the bridge. Officials at Fincantieri Marine Repair are now preparing to salvage the barge and crane, however this is expected to take several weeks. The barge remains moored along the waterfront and poses no threat to maritime traffic. We are grateful for the prompt response from our local teammates.”
— Eric Dent, spokesperson for Fincantien
Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and update you as events unfold.
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