The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on Wednesday, May 12, reported that it issued a waterway restriction on May 11 closing the Lower Mississippi River to all vessel traffic between mile markers 736 and 737 due to a crack discovered on the center span of the I-40 bridge in Memphis, Tenn.
The USCG said there are currently 16 vessels with a total of 229 barges in the queue, with no word on when traffic will be allowed to resume.
“The Coast Guard is currently working with Arkansas Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Transportation, and river industry stakeholders on this developing situation” said Capt. Ryan Rhodes of the Port of Memphis.
The USCG said the river closure was implemented "out of an abundance of caution" and to "ensure the safety of the maritime environment and surrounding community."