A barge collision in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday spilled oil into the waters near busy shipping channels and closed the only road to Pelican Island. The impact caused pieces of the bridge connecting Galveston to Pelican Island to fall on top of the barge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although one man was briefly knocked off the vessel into the water. The accident occurred after a tugboat operator lost control of two barges due to strong currents and high tides.
Pelican Island, home to Texas A&M University at Galveston, a shipyard, and industrial facilities, had fewer than 200 occupants at the time of the collision. All were eventually allowed to leave through the bridge. However, the marine and maritime research institute on the island remained closed, with plans to reopen at least on Friday. Students living on campus were permitted to stay, but those leaving were advised to prepare for an uncertain period away from campus.
This incident came just weeks after a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Baltimore, resulting in the tragic deaths of six construction workers. In the Texas collision, the barge was carrying bunker fuel for ships and had a capacity of 30,000 gallons. The exact amount of oil leaked into the bay was unclear, but approximately 6.5 miles of the waterway were closed off for cleanup. Despite the environmental impact, experts believe the economic effects of the incident would be limited due to the location of Pelican Island.
The Pelican Island Causeway Bridge, built in 1960, had been rated as “Poor” in the Federal Highway Administration’s 2023 National Bridge Inventory. Scheduled for replacement in 2025 at an estimated cost of $194 million, the bridge had been deemed to have reached the end of its design lifespan. Federal data showed the bridge’s last inspection in December 2021, but it was unclear if a subsequent state inspection had occurred. With an average daily traffic figure of around 9,100 vehicles, the closure of the bridge could potentially disrupt travel for residents and commuters in the area.
Overall, the collision between the barge and the bridge in Galveston caused minor disruptions in a lesser-used waterway, far from major shipping channels. While the environmental impact of the oil spill remains a concern, experts do not anticipate significant economic consequences. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and replacing aging infrastructure to prevent accidents that could endanger lives and disrupt transportation routes. Authorities continue to work on cleanup efforts and assess the damage caused by the collision.
