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Crane accident closes drawbridge in downtown Tampa
TAMPA -- Kennedy Boulevard remains closed in both directions leading up to the Hillsborough River drawbridge as crews work to remove a crane involved in an accident Tuesday morning.
According to city of Tampa officials, the crane, which was on a barge on the river, became hooked on the bridge as it went up. The crane then slid partially off the barge and into the river.
Crews are trying to determine the best way to upright the crane. That likely will involve a higher capacity crane, which will be used to secure the partially submerged crane.
Crews also will have to sever the cable hooking the bridge - a highly dangerous exercise that will have to be completed with a torch, according to officials.
No one was injured in the incident. There is no concern of a fuel spill in the river.
Kennedy Boulevard will remain closed between North Boulevard and Ashley Drive. Drivers are advised to use Cass Street, Brorein Street, Platt Street or the Selmon Expressway as alternates as Kennedy is expected to be closed for the time being.
Officials said the bridge would only reopen after a full Florida Department of Transportation inspection.
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