NTSB Urges Bridge Risk Assessments Nationwide

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a report urging 30 owners of 68 bridges across 19 U.S. states to conduct vulnerability assessments to determine their risk of collapse if struck by a ship. This follows the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last year, after being hit by the cargo vessel Dali, resulting in six deaths. The NTSB criticized the Maryland Transportation Authority for not performing a recommended risk assessment, which could have revealed the bridge was almost 30 times above the acceptable risk threshold. The report highlights the Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay, Wisconsin, among others, as needing evaluation for similar risks. The NTSB emphasizes that while these bridges are not certain to collapse, urgent assessments and protective measures are necessary to ensure public safety. The agency has been pressing for these evaluations since the tragedy and seeks proactive action to prevent future incidents.