News Summary
A tugboat-pushed barge collided with a fender on the J. Wilton Graves Bridge on U.S. Highway 278, causing significant damage but leaving the structure safe for motorists. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the incident occurred over Skull Creek, leading to the installation of a strobe light for boater safety. Repairs are expected from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, though a timeline is yet to be established. This highlights the importance of sturdy fender systems in preventing damage from marine traffic.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A barge pushed by a tugboat collided with one of the fenders on the J. Wilton Graves Bridge on U.S. Highway 278 on Wednesday morning, causing significant damage to the protective structure. Fortunately, the bridge remains safe for motorists to use, despite the incident.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the collision occurred at the section of the bridge that crosses Skull Creek at mile marker 557.5. Fender systems are critical structures designed to protect bridge pilings from potential collisions with boats, and the recent impact resulted in the collapse of one of these fenders.
In response to the incident, a strobe light has been installed on the damaged fender to alert and ensure the safety of approaching boaters. The Coast Guard has advised recreational and commercial boaters to proceed with caution around the area while repairs are planned. Additionally, boaters are encouraged to minimize their wake during repair operations to avoid further disruption or damage to the affected fender system.
The repairs to the bridge’s fender system will be conducted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). However, a definitive timeline for when these repairs will commence has yet to be established. Questions regarding the size and ownership of the barge involved, as well as the number of individuals aboard and whether any injuries were sustained, remain unanswered at this time.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining robust fender systems on bridges, as highlighted by the Coast Guard reference to a previous bridge collapse in Baltimore, which suffered because it lacked such protective measures. The presence of a properly functioning fender system can significantly reduce the risk of damage to bridge structures from marine traffic.
As the situation develops, updates will be provided to the public regarding the status of repairs and any further impact on traffic or boating in the area. Both motorists and boaters in the vicinity are encouraged to stay informed and comply with any advisories issued by local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- AOL News: Hilton Head Bridge Struck by Barge
- Wikipedia: J. Wilton Graves Bridge
- Island Packet: Bridge Incident Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Architecture
- WSAV: Hilton Head Town Council Approves Plans
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Bridge News
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Island Bridge Replacement
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Bridge Incident
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.
