According to the NTSB, the captain of the barge was unable to overcome the effects of the tidal current, which was stronger than predicted, leading to the bridge strike.
On Friday, the Texas Department of Transportation evaluated the bridge's conditions. During repairs, the bridge will be off-limits to all vehicle traffic with the exception of emergency services.
Officials said the leak had been contained, but about 1,000 to 2,000 gallons of oil spilled into the water. An investigation into the cause of the crash continues, but so far, it's not believed weather played a factor.
A barge slammed into Pelican Island Causeway Wednesday, damaging the bridge and causing vacuum gas oil to leak into the bay. The bridge has reopened only for evacuations.
ExxonMobil, the company responsible, insists the community is safe, but neighbors complained about a strong chemical odor.
Officials say 261 barrels of crude oil have been removed after reports of a strong odor led to the spill's discovery on Christmas Day.