The underside of the Brooklyn Bridge was struck by a crane being pushed by a tugboat around 8 p.m. According to NYC OEM, the crane hit temporary scaffolding beneath the bridge—the damage appears to be in the middle of deck halfway across river.

About 20 feet of scaffolding on the underside of the bridge was damaged. The scaffolding was being used by workers to repaint the bridge, designated by the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark.

Barges are still passing under bridge, FDNY is trying to reroute them or figure out if they can be rerouted.

Motorists should use the Manhattan or Williamsburg Bridges as an alternative. Expect heavy traffic delays.

(YWN Desk – NYC / Gothamist)