A cargo ship struck the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge over the Delaware River this afternoon, leaving the structure unable to close and causing major traffic backups between Palmyra, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

The incident happened around 1:15 p.m. while the drawbridge was open to allow vessels to pass. The collision prevented the 3,659-foot bridge from closing afterward. No injuries were reported.

Pennsylvania state Rep. Ed Neilson said in a news release that the event disrupted traffic on the Philadelphia side. The steel bridge carries Route 73 and handles up to 76,200 vehicles daily, with three lanes of traffic.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the cargo vessel is now moored at a Kinder Morgan facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania, for inspection. The agency has not released details on the ship's owner or operator. The bridge remained open initially for another vessel to pass and has since returned to a lowered position, but it stays closed to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission, which owns and operates the bridge, issued a recorded message confirming the closure and promising an update ahead of evening rush hour. The 1929 structure was rated in fair condition in recent federal inspections.

Drivers are advised to use alternate routes, with heavier congestion expected on other Delaware River crossings. Officials continue to assess the damage and plan repairs.