Barge hits 14th Street Bridge

The inbound lanes of the 14th Street Bridge in May 2009 as work began on a two-year reconstruction project. (Gerald Martineau/The Washington Post)

The U.S. Coast Guard said high water levels have caused a large barge to bump into the 14th Street Bridge. There were no injuries.

Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill said the barge was stationed near the bridge Monday morning, and loaded with supplies needed for construction on the bridge. Hill said flooding in the Potomac River pulled up a heavy pipe that anchors the barge, causing the vessel to break away and hit a bridge column.

Hill said an initial assessment shows no structural damage to the bridge or barge., and the bridge is open to traffic. He said the barge is now tied to the bridge as crews work with the company that owns the barge to decide where to move it.

-- Associated Press