August 3, 2025

Talmadge Memorial Bridge Reopens After Crane Strike Incident

News Summary

The Talmadge Memorial Bridge has reopened after a temporary closure due to a crane strike that occurred earlier. Traffic was rerouted during inspections, causing significant delays. The incident involved a crane falling into the Savannah River, but no injuries were reported. GDOT and local authorities monitored the situation to ensure public safety, highlighting the importance of safety protocols in marine transportation.

Savannah – The Talmadge Memorial Bridge has officially reopened as of 5:45 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, following its temporary closure earlier in the day due to a crane strike. The bridge was struck when the underside was impacted by a crane being towed on the Savannah River, prompting immediate action from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

Traffic was rerouted from Hutchinson Island onto northbound U.S. 17 toward South Carolina. Significant traffic backups were reported on alternate routes, particularly on the James P. Houlihan Bridge, which spans S.C. 170 and GA-25, resulting in delays between Jasper County and the Savannah area. The closure created a substantial inconvenience for travelers and commuters in the region.

The incident occurred as tugboats towed the crane, which subsequently fell into the Savannah River after colliding with the bridge. Although photos and videos circulated on social media showing the crane loaded on barges at the time of the incident, no injuries were reported by the Savannah Fire Department.

In response to the crane strike, GDOT closed the bridge as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during necessary inspections for any potential damage. During the inspection period, I-16 / US-17 Northbound was also closed as traffic was redirected away from the area.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard provided the all-clear for port traffic on the Savannah River, indicating that operations along the waterway could resume without restriction. After thorough inspections confirmed the structural integrity of the bridge, GDOT reopened the southbound travel lanes on U.S. 17, closely followed by the reopening of the northbound lanes.

The crane involved in the incident belonged to the vessel “Lona Myrick,” which is owned by the Savannah-based company Myrick Marine. In the wake of the crane strike, the Coast Guard conducted alcohol and drug tests on the crew members of the vessel as part of their standard investigation protocol.

While the bridge is now operational, GDOT and local authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure safe passage for all motorists. The priority remains the safety and well-being of individuals traveling in and around the Savannah area, as the incident highlighted the potential hazards associated with marine transportation activities in proximity to major infrastructure.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between land and water transport systems, as well as the crucial role of safety inspections and protocols in maintaining public safety. As the restoration of normal traffic patterns continues, local officials emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant while traveling, particularly in areas that may be affected by similar marine operations in the future.