The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed on March 26 after being struck by a container ship. Two members of the maintenance crew were rescued from the river, with one in critical condition; however, six people are still missing.
The cost of reconstructing the almost 50-year-old steel arch bridge alone could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts believe the bridge collapse, which caused the crew of workers repairing potholes on Interstate 695 to fall into the cold Patapsco River, could be one of the most expensive financial losses to date.
The collapse of a bridge could have significant implications for Pennsylvania, both due to its proximity to Maryland and its own experiences with bridge collapses; in January 2022, the collapse of the Forbes Avenue Bridge in Pittsburgh sent a city bus into a ravine in the Fern Hollow Creek.
This latest incident could prompt Pennsylvania to reevaluate the condition of its own infrastructure, particularly bridges with similar designs or structural vulnerabilities.
According to TribLIVE, Allegheny County’s director of public works stated that it is improbable that a bridge operated by the county will collapse upon impact from a barge or boat.
The infrastructure intertwines the nation’s economy, much like a bridge connects two separate lands. A single bridge collapsing can create a ripple effect, as it could potentially affect the entire United States and its process of importing and exporting goods.
In Western Pa., annual flooding has a significant impact on intracoastal traffic. This could potentially result in barges breaking free, leading to increased water levels and faster rivers.
There are also concerns about potential damage to the 117,000-ton cargo ship Dali, particularly due to the calmer winds and steadier currents in Pittsburgh’s inland waterways. Additionally, Allegheny County has made a substantial investment of $341.7 million in bridge projects, including restoration efforts in the Pittsburgh region.
Abby Dreistadt, Editor in Chief