NTSB urges risk checks for 68 US bridges
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that 30 owners of 68 bridges in 19 states assess the risk of vessel collision, following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore in March 2024.
The investigation revealed the bridge’s risk of collapse was nearly 30 times higher than acceptable limits set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (Aashto). All 68 identified bridges were built before Aashto’s guidance and lack current vulnerability assessments. The NTSB stressed these bridges aren’t certain to fail, but owners should calculate the collapse risk and implement mitigation plans if needed.
The agency also urged the FHWA, Coast Guard and Army Corps to assist bridge owners with risk reduction strategies. The 300 m Singapore-flagged containership ‘Dali’ struck the bridge in Baltimore after losing power, killing six construction workers. (ah)