The Talmadge Memorial Bridge reopened to traffic after safety inspections.
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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