As of approximately 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2025, all lanes of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge have been closed in both directions following a construction-related incident involving a crane boom.
The unexpected closure has brought traffic to a standstill across one of Savannah’s most critical transportation arteries, prompting city officials to urge drivers to seek alternate routes immediately.
According to preliminary reports, a crane boom struck the structure of the bridge while work was being conducted nearby. The impact occurred earlier in the afternoon, and though it caused significant disruption, city authorities have confirmed that there are currently no reported injuries as a result of the incident.
Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, including local law enforcement, fire services, and public works personnel. The area surrounding the bridge was secured within minutes, and work is currently underway to remove the damaged crane boom from the roadway and nearby construction zone. Structural engineers are also en route to conduct a thorough inspection of the bridge and determine if any structural damage was sustained.
While the full extent of the damage remains unknown, out of an abundance of caution, officials have completely shut down the bridge in both directions to all traffic, including personal vehicles and commercial transport. The bridge will remain closed until engineers can confirm it is safe for public use. There is no estimated time of reopening at this moment.
City officials and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are asking residents, commuters, and travelers to plan alternate routes and avoid the bridge area entirely. Suggested alternate crossings include the Houlihan Bridge to the north or Highway 17 via I-516, although these detours are expected to see heavy congestion during the evening rush hour and overnight until the situation is resolved.
Local law enforcement is assisting with traffic redirection and managing gridlock in high-volume areas. Drivers are being advised to allow for extra travel time and to remain patient as crews work to clear the site and assess potential damage. Public transportation routes that rely on bridge access may also be affected, and updates will be shared by Chatham Area Transit (CAT) as needed.
This incident has triggered concern across the community, as the Talmadge Bridge serves as a key connector between downtown Savannah and the Hutchinson Island area, as well as access to South Carolina. Many locals rely on the bridge daily for work, school, and essential services.
Updates will be provided by the City of Savannah, GDOT, and local news outlets as more information becomes available. For now, the priority remains public safety and ensuring the integrity of the bridge before reopening it to traffic.
Savannahians are encouraged to stay informed, follow traffic updates, and check local alerts via social media and city communication channels. Again, if you need to travel between Georgia and South Carolina, plan an alternate route and expect delays until the situation is resolved.
