Swing bridge closed after barge accident

SARGENT ISLAND, TX (KTRK) -- A swing bridge in Matagorda County has been shut down after it was struck by a barge late Thursday night.

It happened around 11pm at the Sargent Swing Bridge, which helps drivers entering or leaving Sargent Island cross the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

No one was injured in the incident and the waterway is open for barge traffic. However, the bridge closure is affecting about 50 permanent residents and anyone who may be staying at the 150 vacation homes on the island.

Aerials from SkyEye HD damage to the side of the bridge, as well as crumpled metal roadway inside the bridge.

Crews with the Texas Department of Transportation are still assessing the damage and trying to determine what repairs are needed. They have not yet decided when to reopen the bridge.