Barge strikes East Freeway bridge, causes miles of traffic backup

BAYTOWN, Texas (FOX 26) —

Texas Department of Transportation crews are inspecting a barge and a section of Interstate 10 after the barge reportedly struck the East Freeway eastbound bridge on the Baytown side at South Crosby Lynchburg. Authorities conducted emergency repairs with concerns that the bridge may potentially collapse. 

TxDOT shut down all westbound lanes of the East Freeway but reopened a right lane at around 7:30 p.m. Monday. The two other westbound mainlanes remain closed until further notice.

TxDOT said the accident happened at around 3 p.m. Monday, causing traffic to back up for miles and drivers to be frustrated.

"The traffic around here is a nightmare," said driver Terrence Hayne. "One small thing turns a whole thing into a whole chaotic affair from Highlands, Crosby, Barrett, Baytown, even La Porte. You couldn't even get down 330. 330's been backed all the way to 146. Yeah, it's a nightmare when something like this happens. I don't know what to tell you. People are frustrated. People are trying to get home."