Captain of the Port Houston-Galveston has closed the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Galveston Freeport Cutoff Channel from Mile Marker 351.5 (Pelican Cut) to Mile Marker 357.3 (Galveston Causeway) due to pollution response, until further notice.
A barge allided with the Pelican Island Bridge, damaging both the bridge and the barge. Pollution response is in progress. An Incident Command Post has been established.
In addition to the GIWW closure, VTS is not accepting transits through the Pelican Island Bridge nor to/from Galveston Harbor west end facilities of Texas International Terminals and Texas A&M docks. The closure and traffic measure results in no access through the GIWW by way of Galveston Harbor.
Recreational traffic is also suspended under the Pelican Island Bridge and in the GIWW affected area.
Very respectfully,
Vessel Traffic Service
USCG Sector Houston-Galveston
(281) 464-4837 24/7 Watch Supervisor
