U.S. 59 bridge reopened after being struck by barge

The U.S. 59 bridge south of Sallisaw over the Arkansas River at Kerr Reservoir in extreme northern LeFlore County is now reopen after being struck earlier Saturday by a barge.

The collision, witnessed by and videotaped by a fisherman, occurred about 1:390 p.m., and authorities closed the bridge to traffic until it could be inspected for damage. Traffic was diverted to state Highway 9, state Highway 2 and I-40.

According to witnesses who videotaped the incident, a woman said the barge “was mo...