NEW ORLEANS – The Huey P. Long Bridge closed for several hours this afternoon after part of a passing ship struck the bridge.
A mast supporting flood and navigation lights on the M/T Clio tanker ship collided with a lower support structure of the bridge around 1:45 p.m., causing officials to close traffic in both directions, according to a Jefferson Parish spokesperson.
The bridge did not sustain any structural damage, according to the parish.
Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions because of the shutdown.
The bridge was reopened just after 4:15 p.m.