Runaway barges have struck and are lodged against the railroad SImmesport bridge this morning.

Four empty grain barges became loose in the Atchafalaya River about one mile above Simmesport, and floated sideways down the river until becoming lodged against the northernmost bridge.

They are on the Simmesport side of the river. Work and emergency crews can be seen on both bridges.

The river is expected to crest today, and the current is swift. The level of the river at 7:45 am this morning was at 44.82 feet.

Traffic is closed on the highway bridge, in case the barges become loose from the railroad bridge. Steve Mayeux told Avoyellestoday that traffic is backed up as far as Simmesport Bank at 8:20 a.m.

It is assumed if a barge gets away from the railroad bridge and hits the highway bridge, traffic will continue to be closed until it the bridge is inspected and declared safe.

Emergency crews from Avoyelles and Pointe Coupee and the state of Louisiana are at the site of the impacts. A small tug boat is standing by.

Garland Forman and Steve Mayeux of Avoyellestoday are on the scene.

The railroad bridge is a low swing type bridge which was built in 1927.

The high rise highway bridge was built about 1972 for highway traffic.