Officials re-open Columbia-area bridge after rains

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Columbia-area bridge that was closed earlier this week after heavy rains shifted a barge has now re-opened.

The Columbia Police Department says the bridge that carries U.S. 176 over the Broad River re-opened Thursday at around 8 a.m.

The road had been closed since Tuesday night after heavy rain caused a barge holding a construction crane to shift, threatening the structure.

Contractors originally said they hoped to have that portion of Broad River Road reopened by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. But crews had to wait for river levels to recede before reopening the bridge.