Savannah, August 3, 2025
News Summary
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge in Savannah has reopened to traffic following a crane strike incident that necessitated emergency inspections. The bridge was closed after a crane being towed on the Savannah River struck its underside, but no injuries were reported. The swift actions of the Savannah Police and the Georgia Department of Transportation allowed for a quicker than expected reopening, resuming normal traffic flow and alleviating congestion in the area.
Savannah – The Talmadge Memorial Bridge has officially reopened to traffic as of 5:45 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, following a crane strike incident that temporarily closed the vital thoroughfare. The bridge was closed for inspections after a crane being towed on the Savannah River collided with its underside.
The incident occurred in the afternoon when the crane struck the bridge while being towed by tugboats. Reports indicated that the crane appeared to be loaded onto barges at the time of the collision. In response to the bridge closure, the Savannah Police Department redirected traffic from Hutchinson Island to northbound U.S. 17 towards South Carolina. This redirection led to significant traffic backups on alternate routes, especially on the James P. Houlihan Bridge, creating delays for many drivers in the area.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) stated that shutting the bridge was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Inspections were conducted to assess any potential damage to the bridge, prompting the closure for an unconfirmed period. Fortunately, the Savannah Fire Department confirmed that there were no injuries related to the crane strike.
During the closure, the Savannah Police Department provided motorists with detour routes to navigate around the disruption. The crane involved in the incident was onboard the vessel “Lona Myrick,” which is owned by Myrick Marine. In the aftermath of the collision, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted sobriety tests on the vessel’s crew to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
By 10:30 p.m. on the same day, the Savannah River under the Talmadge Bridge was reopened for port traffic, indicating a return to normal operations for waterway transport. A spokesperson for GDOT confirmed that the southbound lanes of the Talmadge Bridge opened shortly after the inspection concluded, alleviating much of the congestion surrounding the area.
Initial reports had indicated the bridge would remain closed for an extended period due to the necessary inspections following the crane strike, but prompt action by authorities ensured that the bridge was back in operation much sooner than anticipated. The Talmadge Bridge, which spans the Savannah River and connects Jasper County, South Carolina, to coastal Georgia, is an essential route for local commuters and drivers traveling between the two states.
The Coastal Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) advised the public to avoid the vicinity of the bridge while the situation was being assessed, recommending the use of alternate routes to minimize congestion and ensure the safety of personnel conducting the inspections.
FAQ
What caused the Talmadge Memorial Bridge closure?
The bridge was closed due to a crane strike that occurred when a crane being towed on the Savannah River collided with its underside.
When did the bridge reopen?
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge reopened at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, after inspections were completed.
Were there any injuries reported from the crane incident?
No injuries were reported by the Savannah Fire Department following the crane strike.
What detour routes were provided during the closure?
Motorists were redirected to northbound U.S. 17 towards South Carolina, with advice to avoid the area of the bridge.
Who owned the crane involved in the accident?
The crane was onboard the vessel “Lona Myrick,” which is owned by Myrick Marine.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Bridge Reopening Time | 5:45 p.m. |
| Location | Talmadge Memorial Bridge, Savannah River |
| Crash Type | Crane Strike |
| Injuries Reported | No |
| Detour Information | N. U.S. 17 towards SC |
| Owner of Crane | Myrick Marine |
| Inspection Authority | Georgia Department of Transportation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Community Engagement Event Scheduled
Talmadge Memorial Bridge Future Discussed in Savannah
Winter Weather Disrupts Daily Life in Beaufort and Jasper Counties
Additional Resources
- WTOC
- WSAV
- Island Packet
- WJCL
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Talmadge Memorial Bridge
- Google Search: Talmadge Memorial Bridge
- Google Scholar: Talmadge Memorial Bridge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Talmadge Memorial Bridge
- Google News: Talmadge Memorial Bridge
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
