The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) failed to evaluate the vulnerability of the Francis Scott Key Bridge to risks from vessel collisions, leading to a significant lapse in bridge safety that could have prevented a tragic collapse. The NTSB’s findings, announced on Thursday, indicate that the bridge's risk level was nearly 30 times higher than the acceptable threshold for critical infrastructure, which might have been addressed if proper assessments were conducted earlier.

During a press conference marking nearly one year since the incident, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy pointed out that the bridge collapse, which occurred on March 26, 2024, could potentially have been avoided had the MDTA reviewed the bridge’s vulnerability and taken necessary corrective actions. She referred to a 1991 analysis created by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in response to the 1980 collapse of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, Florida, which provided a framework for assessing the risk of older bridges.

Though the Francis Scott Key Bridge was completed in 1977, the NTSB highlighted that AASHTO's vulnerability calculator is not exclusive to new construction. AASHTO urges bridge owners to apply the calculator to older structures to evaluate and mitigate risk—something that Maryland officials had not done before the collapse.

Missed Assessments and High Risk Levels

The NTSB’s investigation revealed that, had the MDTA conducted the proper analysis, they would have identified that the Key Bridge was at nearly 30 times the acceptable risk threshold for essential bridges. "We were very surprised that [the risk numbers] were high," Homendy said. "But it’s something MDTA could have known and should have known."

Homendy emphasized the serious oversight, noting that the MDTA had never performed such assessments for the Key Bridge prior to its collapse. Furthermore, she revealed that the nearby Chesapeake Bay Bridge, constructed in 1948, has also not been evaluated for similar risks.

“There’s no excuse,” Homendy remarked, underscoring the agency’s failure to prioritize such vital safety evaluations.

National Implications: Broader Risk Assessment Needed

The NTSB's investigation also pointed to the national importance of vulnerability assessments for older bridges across the country. Homendy urged owners of 68 other bridges, spanning 19 states, to conduct similar risk evaluations. These include iconic structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, and the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, all of which were constructed before the 1991 AASHTO guidelines.

However, Homendy was careful to clarify that these bridges were not being singled out as immediately dangerous. Instead, she emphasized that the risk of collapse due to vessel collisions has not been fully quantified for these older spans, leaving their vulnerability unclear.

"Singling out those bridges does not mean that they are automatically dangerous, merely that their risk needs to be calculated," Homendy explained. "By the same token, other bridges are not automatically safe from potential harm."

Preventative Measures and Possible Solutions

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse occurred when the cargo ship Dali struck one of the bridge’s piers. Had the vulnerability assessment been performed, Homendy suggested that the MDTA could have taken precautionary measures, such as investing in protective "dolphins" or other barriers to deter fast-moving vessels from coming too close to critical supports. These safety features might have helped avert the collision, preventing the collapse of the bridge.

Broader Concerns for U.S. Infrastructure

The NTSB’s findings shed light on the potential vulnerabilities that many older bridges across the U.S. face, particularly as ship traffic grows and infrastructure ages. The NTSB continues to stress the importance of regular risk assessments for all bridges, regardless of their age, to ensure they are not exposed to potential failures from collisions or other hazards.

As the investigation continues, the NTSB calls for the implementation of more comprehensive and up-to-date evaluations for existing bridges, and for agencies to proactively address any risks that could compromise public safety.

Moving Forward: What Needs to Change?

Looking ahead, the NTSB’s recommendations serve as a wake-up call for bridge owners and transportation authorities across the country. Given the ongoing challenges posed by aging infrastructure and increasing maritime traffic, Homendy stressed the need for enhanced safety protocols and risk management systems, particularly for bridges located in areas with significant vessel traffic. Addressing these risks before they lead to disaster is critical for protecting lives and ensuring the longevity of critical infrastructure.

The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a reminder of the importance of regular safety evaluations, proactive risk management, and the commitment to preserving the integrity of the nation’s infrastructure. As Maryland and other states work to address these vulnerabilities, they must take steps to implement effective safety measures and ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.

Vulnerability Assessments and National Infrastructure Challenges

Beyond the specifics of the Key Bridge case, the NTSB’s call for vulnerability assessments across the country highlights the broader challenges facing U.S. infrastructure. As bridges and other critical infrastructure age, the need for updated safety evaluations becomes ever more pressing. With increasing demands on transport networks and the growing threat posed by collisions, a proactive approach to maintenance, safety checks, and upgrades is necessary to ensure that America’s bridges remain safe and functional for years to come.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.