Update: Talmadge Bridge reopens after being struck by crane Friday afternoon
Update: The Talmadge Bridge was reopened as of 5:45 p.m. Friday.
The Talmadge Memorial Bridge shut down Friday afternoon after its underside was struck by a crane being towed on the Savannah River, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
All traffic from Hutchinson Island would be rerouted onto northbound U.S. 17 and over the South Carolina line, the Savannah Police Department said.
Live traffic data as of 4:30 p.m. showed considerable backups on alternate routes between Jasper County and the Savannah area, especially the James P. Houlihan Bridge spanning S.C. 170 and GA-25.
Photos and videos from the scene appeared to show the crane loaded on barges and being pulled by tugboats when it struck the underside of the 1,100-foot span over the Savannah River.
The Talmadge Bridge will remain closed for “an indeterminate period” as inspections take place, GDOT said.
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 4:58 PM.
