FORT MADISON, Iowa — The Fort Madison Bridge has reopened after being struck by a barge Thursday afternoon.
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office made a post on Facebook around 1:40 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 about the barge hitting the bridge. The barge was seen shortly afterward partially submerged in the river.
The bridge reopened sometime after 4 p.m., according to a Fort Madison Police Department Facebook post. Officials said the BNSF certified that the bridge is safe and both rail and vehicle traffic are reopened.
The bridge spans the Mississippi River and connects Fort Madison, Iowa, and Niota, Illinois. Built in the 1920s the bridge is 1,675 feet long and 23.5 feet wide.
The news comes a month and a half after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland was struck by a ship and came crashing down, killing six construction workers.
News 8 will update this news story as more information is made available. Download our app and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates.