Island Isolation: Barge Collision Shuts Down Galveston's Only Road to Pelican Island

A barge collided with the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas, on May 15, 2024, causing significant structural damage and effectively cutting off the only road access to the small island. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 a.m., has not only disrupted the daily lives of residents and workers on Pelican Island but also resulted in an oil spill that has the potential to cause environmental harm.

The barge, which struck the bridge's rail line, caused a portion of it to collapse into the water below. This has led to the closure of the bridge, which serves as the sole road connection between Pelican Island and Galveston. As a result, Pelican Island, home to Texas A&M University at Galveston, a large shipyard, and the popular Seawolf Park, is currently inaccessible by car.

Texas A&M University at Galveston was forced to cancel classes for the day, impacting approximately 30 students. The university is now assessing the situation and working on a plan to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry has stated that the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway has been closed for approximately 6.5 miles between marker 350.5 to 357 to address the oil spill resulting from the barge collision. The U.S. Coast Guard is on the scene and is working to contain and clean up the spill, which is estimated to be a 30,000-gallon capacity.

The bridge, which was already in a state of disrepair with its superstructure rated in "Poor Condition," is now being inspected by engineers from the Texas Department of Transportation to assess the extent of the damage and determine when it might be safe for traffic to resume.

Galveston officials have confirmed that there have been no reports of injuries related to the collision. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of the bridge, as well as the potential environmental impact of the oil spill.

As the situation unfolds, residents and workers on Pelican Island are left to rely on boat transportation to reach the mainland. The community now faces the challenge of addressing the immediate consequences of the barge collision while also considering long-term solutions to ensure the safety and accessibility of their island home.