NTSB urges urgent vulnerability assessments for dozens of U.S. bridges

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified a critical failure by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) in not conducting a vulnerability assessment for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed last March after being struck by a cargo ship. The NTSB's report underscores that nearly 70 bridges across 19 states, including the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge in Rhode Island, are at risk of collapse from similar vessel strikes due to a lack of assessments. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that had the MDTA performed the necessary evaluations, the risks could have been mitigated, potentially preventing the tragic loss of six lives. In response, the Golden Gate Bridge authority stated it has robust safety measures and is currently assessing its structures in light of the findings. The report prompted a call to action for bridge owners to evaluate their infrastructures to enhance public safety. The MDTA maintains that the incident was primarily due to the negligence of the cargo ship's operators, not their own oversight.