TxDOT delays lowering of Old Harbor Bridge span to Tuesday

TxDOT says safety concerns and extended prep work have delayed lowering the Old Harbor Bridge’s center span until Tuesday.

The Texas Department of Transportation says preparations to lower the center span of the old Harbor Bridge took longer than expected Monday, delaying the start of the operation.

TxDOT said the barge Prometheus, positioned beneath the bridge to receive the 6-million-pound span, was temporarily moved to allow vessel traffic to resume in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The barge is scheduled to return to position later Monday, when the channel will again be closed.

TxDOT officials said safety remains the top priority as crews prepare to lower the 6-million-pound center span of the old Harbor Bridge. The operation must take place during daylight hours to give engineers and crane operators clear visibility of cables, rigging, and weather conditions. TxDOT said the complexity of the lift and the need for stable wind speeds mean even minor timing issues can affect safety for both workers and nearby vessel traffic in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

Even with the delay, those who showed up said they’re excited to see the project through, like Mariah Delapaz.

“I’m sad to see our old bridge going but I’m happy to see our city growing,” she said.

For Jim Wedelken and Michelle Salinas, seeing the old bridge come down is just as important as they day it went up.

“This is a lifetime experience you don’t see this everyday. Just to see the bridge come down and take a video of the bridge coming down,” they said.

I’m sad to see our old bridge going but i’m happy to see our city growing

Once detached, the barge and span will travel to a dock at the Port of Corpus Christi’s inner harbor, rather than the previously planned location between Portland and Ingleside.

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