MDOT delivers all clear on bridge that was stuck in the open position for nearly 3 hours

10:18 a.m. update: MDOT reports that repairs to the bridge are complete and traffic has resumed moving across the bridge.

10:07 a.m. update: According to MDOT Public Affairs Director Will Craft, inspectors have not yet been able to diagnose the problem affecting the Fort Bayou Bridge in Ocean Springs and additional inspectors are on the way. The bridge is expected to be closed for at least another two hours.

10 a.m. update: Craft said there is no further information about the cause of the problem with the Fort Bayou Bridge. Additionally, there is no estimated time for the completion of repairs. Craft said he expects to have an update by 10:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. update: Craft said the MDOT at the team onsite is believed to still be working to diagnose the problem. There is no update on when the bridge is expected to reopen.

ORIGINAL REPORT

The Memorial Day weekend has gotten off to a rough start for some drivers in Ocean Springs as the Fort Bayou Bridge is stuck in the open position, wreaking havoc on early morning traffic.

According to an MDOT official, when the drawbridge closed at about 7:30 a.m., it did not fully close. MDOT officials are on the scene and initial estimates are that the bridge will be closed for about 1 to 2 hours. Ocean Springs police arrived on the scene at about 8 a.m. and began rerouting traffic away from the bridge on the north side.

Traffic is stalled Saturday on the Fort Bayou Draw Bridge in Ocean Springs.
Traffic is stalled Saturday on the Fort Bayou Draw Bridge in Ocean Springs.