That barge accident killed eight people. It would have probably gotten a lot more national attention if it hadn't happened three days after 9-11-2001.
South Padre bridge to reopen
$4 million project completed ahead of schedule
By Neaha Raol (Daily Texan Staff)
Posted: 11/16/01
The Queen Isabella Causeway, closed since a Sept. 15 barge accident, will reopen Wednesday, more than one month ahead of the scheduled Dec. 23 completion date.
A tugboat pushing four barges hit the Queen Isabella Causeway, causing part of the 2.5 mile bridge to collapse, killing eight.
The bridge, the only roadway connecting the Texas mainland to South Padre Island, is undergoing a more than $4 million reconstruction by Williams Brothers, Inc. The Pharr District of the Texas Department of Transportation is overseeing the repair.
The bridge's closing had a severe economic impact on South Padre Island by shortening the tourist season and reducing the island's
$10.8 million average weekly sales.
Sen. Eddie Lucio, D--Brownsville, said the people of South Texas owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to everyone who helped make this possible.
"I couldn't be more pleased," Lucio said. "Once again, the people of Texas have shown what great things can be accomplished when we all work together, and I don't care who gets the credit."
Erica Pe±a, spokeswoman for the South Padre Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said the early completion was facilitated by the unseasonably sunny weather, while the contract deadline was made based on the possibility of adverse weather conditions.
The contract offered to Williams Brothers, Inc. included a financial incentive to finish before schedule and provided penalties for not meeting the deadline.
Gov. Rick Perry applauded the work of TxDOT, Williams Brothers, Inc., and government officials for doing what many thought to be impossible: repairing the severely damaged bridge in less than 75 days.
"The vital link between South Padre Island and the Texas mainland will soon be restored, allowing tourists, residents and business people easy access to one of Texas' most beautiful communities," Perry said.
Art Roberts, senior vice president of Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce, said the collapse severely impacted businesses on South Padre Island.
"Every day that bridge is closed is an extremely expensive day for South Padre island, so any early completion will have a significant impact," Roberts said.
Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort General Manager Larry Murphy said the news of the bridge's reopening, in addition to Monday's announcement of Garth Brooks' nationally televised concert in South Padre, has provided for a week of good news.
"For businesses, especially hotels, on the island, those two events will help ease some of the pain we've had in the last two months," Murphy said.
However, Murphy said businesses can never recover from this type of event, but should improve after facing adversity.
"What was lost was lost, and we just have to move forward with raised spirits," Murphy said. "Hopefully, with raised spirits, profits will increase."
Roberts said the announcement of the early reopening will prompt more holiday visitors and winter Texans to visit the island, but the economic losses will be recovered gradually.
"My guess is spring break is when things will return to normal, and it will all proceed from there with business as usual," Roberts said.
Yeah. My point was that blowing up water bridges can cause serious financial impact.