On Wednesday morning, a barge slammed into a bridge connecting Pelican Island to Galveston Island, where the local Texas A&M campus is situated. Reports show that the barge hit a pillar underneath the bridge, causing structural damage and spilling a large amount of oil into the channel.
The bridge closure has essentially sealed off the only entry point for Pelican Island, where thousands of people will be stuck until the bridge reopens.
Details of the Accident
A group of people wearing PPE and neon
The bridge that leads out of North Galveston towards Pelican Island was struck by a barge at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15.
While a tugboat was backing out of Texas International Terminals, it lost control of two barges that it was pushing. Galveston County Navigation District bridge superintendent David Flores recounted the incident to the press. One of the barges, led by a tugboat, lost control and struck one of the major pillars on the bridge, hitting a fuel container in the process.
No Major Injuries Reported
Thankfully, no major injuries were reported at the time of the incident, and the damage to the bridge did not affect cars travelling along it.
One man was knocked off the barge and fell into the water. Thanks to fast-acting employees nearby, he was quickly recovered.
Current To Blame for Out-of-Control Boat
Flores says the current was too strong to control the barge’s path. As a result, a large boat struck the bridge, the fuel tanks, and two telephone poles nearby.
Boat travel is often perilous and inconsistent. Unlike driving a car, a boat is subject to the wind and the current of the water, which can be unpredictable and hard to navigate, even for experienced captains.
A similar incident in Baltimore Killed Six
A similar incident occurred in Baltimore less than two months ago. On March 26th, a cargo ship crashed into one of the major support columns of the Francis Key Bridge.
The incident killed six construction workers who were performing maintenance repairs on the bridge around 4 in the morning. No cars were affected by the damage, but the investigation of the incident and demolition of the bridge is still ongoing.
The Effects of the Oil Spill Are Currently Unknown
The crash in Galveston resulted in oil spilling from the fuel barges onto the ships. Flores said it is currently unknown how much oil has been added to the channel due to the crash.
The fuel barges have a capacity of 30,000 gallons. Galveston Bay and crews are working to mitigate the spread of the oil and clean up the water. Spencer Lewis, a Galveston County spokesperson, said that more than 6.5 miles of waterway were shut down as a result of the spill.
No Significant Impact on International Commerce
While the port accepts international vessels, the area is mostly isolated and does not connect to the Intercoastal Waterway, which is part of the Houston Ship Channel, one of the busiest sea ports in the world.
Tankers and barges can be redirected to other ports of entry. At this time, no disruptions in commerce are expected.
Pelican Island
Although small and remote, Pelican Island hosts the Galveston location of Texas A&M University and Seawolf Park, a popular tourist attraction. Many tourists passing through Galveston head to Pelican Island to see the iconic fishing pier and decommissioned U.S. Navy vessels.
Around 180 students, faculty, and staff remain on campus. The incident has disrupted the day for many residents and tourists, but it is unknown how many. First responders could safely pass over the bridge to assess the damage.
The Bridge Was in Poor Condition Before the Incident
During the 2023 National Bridge Inventory released last June, the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge was rated “Poor” condition.
The rating is given after a complete inspection of all individual components of the bridge. The deck, superstructure, substructure, and culvert are all examined to determine the suitability of the bridge. Inspectors rated the superstructure—or the component that absorbs the live traffic load—in poor condition. The rest of the components received satisfactory or better.
Plans To Replace the Bridge in 2025
In the summer of 2025, the Texas Department of Transportation had already scheduled the construction of a new project to replace the bridge.
The estimated cost is around $194 million. Over the past decade, over $12 million has been spent on standard maintenance and repairs. As Pelican Island becomes busier, the bridge will only get busier and experience more wear and tear. A bigger and better bridge is needed to support the growing population.
Texas A&M Closed Until Further Notice
The Galveston branch of Texas A&M will remain closed until at least next Friday.
At the time of the event, university officials directed all non-essential employees to leave as soon as possible. They also warned those who live on campus that leaving the island might result in delays in returning.
Massive Delays in Traffic and Tourism
More than 9,000 people cross the Pelican Island Causeway daily. For now, the bridge closure is set to disrupt locals and tourists.
Repairs are underway to fix the affected structures. Word has yet to be released if the new bridge will be moved up as a result of the damage.
