Georgia DOT plans to raise Savannah bridge for larger ships

The Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge is pictured at sunset in Savannah, Ga., April 20, 2017. Georgia officials have signed off on a plan to raise Savannah's towering suspension bridge to make room for larger cargo ships calling on the city's busy seaport. (AP Photo/Sally Hale, File)

Georgia officials have signed off on a plan to raise Savannah’s towering suspension bridge to make room for larger cargo ships to reach the city’s busy seaport.

The state Department of Transportation’s board at its January meeting approved hiring a contractor later this year to consult on the project while it’s still in the design phase.

The Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge opened in 1991 and spans the Savannah River at the Georgia-Florida line. Cargo ships passing Savannah’s downtown riverfront must sail under the bridge to reach the Port of Savannah.