DAVENPORT, Iowa — Update:
The Government Bridge will reopen to all traffic at noon today, April 21, after it has been inspected for damage from a piece of the old I-74 striking it.
The Iowa Department of Transportation analyzed the damage to the bridge span over River Drive in Davenport and determined that normal bridge operations can resume.
The Iowa DOT plans to repair the bridge damage this fall.
Original story:
A piece of the old I-74 bridge fell off a truck that was traveling along River Drive in Davenport Tuesday afternoon, according to a release from the Rock Island Arsenal Garrison Public Affairs office.
The initial investigation indicates that the truck lost part of its load while traveling on River Drive, with the large piece landing in the westbound lanes. The piece was being transported for recycling.
The piece also landed directly under the Government Bridge, causing some initial confusion as to which bridge the piece belonged to.
The Government Bridge is closed to vehicles for an unknown amount of time as Arsenal Public Works crews assess and repair damages.
Rock Island Arsenal safety personnel and Davenport Police are on the scene to evaluate the situation.
While closed to vehicular traffic, the bridge remains open to rail, pedestrian, and river navigation.
Fort Armstrong Avenue at the west end of Arsenal Island is closed to Iowa-bound traffic. The Fort Armstrong Block House and Gathering Point overlook areas will remain open to pedestrian visitors and tourists.
It is unknown if any other traveling cars were damaged by the piece.
People are asked to avoid the area while the situation is resolved.
WQAD News 8 will update this story as more information is made available. Download our app and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates.