Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore
On March 26, tragedy struck as the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed, just three days after its 47th anniversary.
Key Details of the Bridge
- Named after Francis Scott Key, author of the US national anthem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.
- Built in 1972 over the Patapsco River, spanning 1.6 miles and completing Interstate 695.
- Served as a crucial commuting route for around 30,000 individuals daily, handling approximately 11.3 million vehicles per year.
- Featured a steel arched structure with four lanes, including a primary lane of 1200 feet in length.
- At its opening, it was the second-largest continuous truss bridge globally, remaining the third-largest and the second-largest in the United States.
- Total length of the bridge was 8636 feet.
Impact of the Collapse
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland described the collapse as a tragic event, caused by a cargo ship losing power and striking the bridge, resulting in significant damage.
The loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has deeply affected the residents of Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland.
Bridge Ratings and Distinctions
In June 2023, the Federal Highway Administration rated the Francis Scott Key Bridge as ‘fair’.
It is important to note that this bridge is distinct from the six-lane bridge over the Potomac River between Rosslyn, Virginia, and Georgetown, Washington DC.
