GALVESTON, Texas – KPRC 2′S Corley Peel was allowed to get an up-close look at the barge which struck the Pelican Island Causeway Wednesday.
The barge remains at the causeway after crashing into it and causing damage. The collision also resulted in an oil spill.
The barge was reportedly carrying 30,000 barrels of vacuum gas oil. Officials estimate up to 5,000 gallons may have leaked into Galveston Bay.
The bridge has been closed since Wednesday afternoon, except for people who can cross by foot.
The oil has to be cleaned up and the barge still needs to be removed before divers can inspect the pilings and the structural integrity of the causeway. There does not appear to be a timeline, however, for when that will happen.
The oil spill forced a 6.5-mile closure of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway.
All classes at Texas A&M - Galveston have also been canceled due to the bridge closure.