News Summary
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge in Savannah has reopened following inspections after a crane strike caused temporary closure. GDOT prioritized safety, and traffic has resumed normal operations. The incident led to significant detours and congestion, but no injuries were reported. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure public safety.
Savannah – The Talmadge Memorial Bridge has officially reopened after being closed for several hours due to a crane strike on August 1, 2025. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reported that the bridge sustained damage to its underside after the crane, being towed on the Savannah River, collided with it. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, leading to immediate traffic reroutes and significant congestion in the area.
Traffic was diverted by the Savannah Police Department, who redirected all vehicles from Hutchinson Island onto northbound U.S. 17. This crucial detour caused major delays, with alternate routes experiencing heavy traffic backups. By 4:30 p.m., live traffic data indicated severe congestion, particularly on the James P. Houlihan Bridge as commuters from Jasper County and the Savannah area struggled to navigate the rerouted traffic.
Inspections were promptly initiated following the collision to assess the safety of the bridge. GDOT initially characterized the closure as lasting “an indeterminate period,” prioritizing the safety of the public. Fortunately, inspections were completed and indicated that the bridge was deemed safe for public passage by 5:45 p.m. the same day. As a result, the southbound travel lanes of U.S. 17 were reopened by 5:30 p.m., with northbound lanes following shortly thereafter.
The U.S. Coast Guard was also involved in the aftermath of the crane strike, taking action to clear the Savannah River channel for boat traffic at 10:30 p.m. this same evening. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, according to the Savannah Fire Department.
The event involved a crane that fell into the river during the incident after being pulled by tugboats, specifically from one of the tugboats named “Lona Myrick,” which is owned by Myrick Marine. The Georgia Department of Transportation emphasized that the temporary closure was a necessary safety measure to protect the traveling public.
This incident underscores the importance of infrastructure safety and the potential challenges arising from operations on the Savannah River. The Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown Savannah to Hutchinson Island, is a vital transport link in the region. The bridge remains vital both for local traffic and for those traveling to and from key destinations in the area.
In summary, the Talmadge Memorial Bridge has reopened after thorough inspections confirmed its safety and integrity. Although the incident caused considerable traffic disruptions, recovery efforts were swift, and no injuries occurred during the incident, allowing for a return to normal operations. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and will take any additional measures necessary to ensure public safety.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Talmadge Bridge Struck by Crane
- Wikipedia: Talmadge Memorial Bridge
- WSAV: Crane Hits Talmadge Bridge
- Google Search: Talmadge Bridge crane incident
- WJCL: Talmadge Bridge Shut Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
- Island Packet: Talmadge Bridge News
- Google News: Talmadge Bridge crane strike
- WSAV: Crane Hits Talmadge Bridge
- Google Scholar: Bridge Safety Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
