NTSB Report: Maryland Failed to Assess Key Bridge for Vessel Collision Risks

A new NTSB report reveals that the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) never evaluated the Francis Scott Key Bridge for its vulnerability to vessel collisions—nor has the state assessed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy delivered the findings Thursday, issuing urgent safety recommendations to 30 bridge owners across 19 states, covering 68 bridges.

“Bridge owners need to take action now and not wait,” Homendy warned. The report doesn’t claim these bridges are at immediate risk of collapse, but it does stress the need for critical safety assessments—aligning with risk thresholds set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Key Bridge Collapse: A Preventable Disaster?

Homendy pointed directly at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, emphasizing that MDTA never assessed its risk level before its tragic collapse.

“Had they run the calculation, MDTA would’ve known the risk—and could’ve taken action to prevent the collapse,” she stated. The findings reveal the bridge was nearly 30 times over the critical risk threshold for essential structures. Pier 17, struck by the Dali, exceeded the limit by almost 15 times.

As Baltimore continues to recover, we stand with the victims and their families.

NTSB Report: Maryland Failed to Assess Key Bridge for Vessel Collision Risks  was originally published on rone92q.staging.go.ione.nyc