Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the NTSB has identified 68 bridges across the US that require urgent safety evaluations. The investigation revealed that the Key Bridge, struck by a container ship, was nearly 30 times riskier than acceptable levels set by AASHTO, highlighting a lapse in risk management by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Officials warn that many other aging bridges, built before 1991 and frequented by cargo ships, lack adequate risk assessments and need plans to address vulnerabilities to prevent future disasters.
The NTSB urges immediate vulnerability assessments for 68 bridges at risk of collapse due to ship strikes, following last year's Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that if the MDTA had assessed the risk accurately, they would have discovered the Key Bridge was nearly 30 times over the risk threshold.
The investigation highlighted significant flaws in bridge assessments carried out by bridge owners, raising urgent questions about public safety and infrastructure management.
With cargo ship traffic increasing nationwide, the NTSB's findings reflect a critical need for risk management to prevent future collapses and protect lives.
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