The Texas Department of Transportation says preparations to lower the center span of the old Harbor Bridge took longer than expected Monday, delaying the start of the operation.
TxDOT said the barge Prometheus, positioned beneath the bridge to receive the 6-million-pound span, was temporarily moved to allow vessel traffic to resume in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The barge is scheduled to return to position later Monday, when the channel will again be closed.
TxDOT officials said safety remains the top priority as crews prepare to lower the 6-million-pound center span of the old Harbor Bridge. The operation must take place during daylight hours to give engineers and crane operators clear visibility of cables, rigging, and weather conditions. TxDOT said the complexity of the lift and the need for stable wind speeds mean even minor timing issues can affect safety for both workers and nearby vessel traffic in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel…