"Bridge Safety Alert: 68 U.S. Bridges Across 19 States at Risk of Collapse"

The safety of U.S. bridges has come under intense scrutiny following a recent recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to evaluate 68 bridges across 19 states due to their vulnerability to collapse, particularly from vessel collisions. This notice comes on the heels of the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which highlighted the urgent need for bridge safety assessments.

Background: The Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

In March 2024, a cargo ship collision led to the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the loss of six lives. The incident underscored the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments on bridges, especially those built before modern safety standards were implemented. The NTSB investigation revealed that the Key Bridge was more than 30 times above the acceptable risk threshold for critical bridges, as per the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines[1][4].

Current Recommendations and Safety Concerns

The NTSB's recent recommendation for a vulnerability assessment is not an indication that the 68 bridges are certain to collapse but emphasizes the need to evaluate whether these structures meet current safety standards. Bridge owners are urged to conduct vulnerability assessments using AASHTO's Method II calculation to determine the annual frequency of potential collapse due to vessel collisions[4]. If these assessments reveal risks exceeding safety thresholds, comprehensive risk reduction plans should be developed and implemented[4].

States with Unassessed Bridges

These bridges are spread across 19 states, with notable concentrations in:

• New York: 13 bridges
• Louisiana: 8 bridges
• California and Texas: 7 bridges each
• Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Georgia, and Michigan also have bridges without recent risk assessments[2].

Notable Bridges at Risk

Some of the most iconic and frequently used bridges are among those highlighted:

• Golden Gate Bridge, California
• Brooklyn Bridge, New York City
• Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida
• Huey P. Long Bridge near New Orleans, Louisiana
• San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California
• Chicago Skyway

These bridges, including the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, have historical significance and high usage rates, making their safety paramount[1][2].

Historical Context: Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida has a tragic past, with a major collapse in 1980 caused by a freighter collision, resulting in the deaths of 35 people. This incident led to the development of mathematical risk models for assessing bridge safety[2].

Risk Assessments and Vulnerability

Modern bridges are required to undergo risk assessments to ensure they meet safety standards. However, older bridges built before 1991 often lack these assessments, leaving authorities without critical information about their vulnerability to structural failures or collisions[2]. The NTSB emphasizes that immediate action is necessary to prevent another disaster, stressing the importance of these assessments for public safety[2].

Johns Hopkins University Study: Predicting Bridge Collisions

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University suggests that some of the nation's busiest bridges are likely to experience catastrophic collisions within the next few decades. The study found that bridges such as the Huey P. Long Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge are at particularly high risk of ship collisions due to their location and vessel traffic[3].

Predicted Collision Frequencies for Vulnerable Bridges:

• Huey P. Long Bridge: Once every 17 years
• San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge: Once every 22 years
• Crescent City Connection: Once every 34 years
• Beltway 8 Bridge: Once every 35 years
• Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge: Once every 37 years
• Golden Gate Bridge: Once every 481 years[3]

Federal Response and Recommendations

Federal agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are recommended to form an interdisciplinary team to assist bridge owners in evaluating and reducing risks. This may involve infrastructure improvements or operational changes to mitigate potential collisions[4].

Conclusion

The safety of U.S. bridges is under increased scrutiny, with the NTSB recommending that 68 bridges across 19 states undergo immediate risk assessments. This action follows the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and reflects broader concerns about bridge vulnerabilities, particularly to ship collisions. As investigations continue and more data becomes available, the importance of proactive measures to ensure bridge safety will remain a pressing issue for transportation authorities nationwide. The urgency of these recommendations highlights the critical role that public authorities play in maintaining and improving infrastructure to protect lives and prevent disasters.

Key Points to Remember

• 68 Bridges Identified: These bridges lack recent risk assessments and span 19 states across the U.S.
• Safety Assessments Recommended: The NTSB is urging bridge owners to conduct vulnerability assessments to ensure bridges meet safety standards.
• Notable Bridges Affected: Include iconic structures like the Golden Gate and Brooklyn Bridges.
• Increased Risk: Older bridges are particularly at risk due to outdated safety standards.
• Future Predictions: Studies suggest frequent ship collisions are likely in the coming decades for some bridges.