NTSB Urges Bridge Risk Assessments Nationwide

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has urged the assessment of 68 U.S. bridges for collapse risk from vessel collisions, following the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last year. The NTSB's call for assessments encompasses bridges in 19 states, including iconic structures like the Golden Gate, Brooklyn, and Chicago Skyway bridges. These bridges, many built before 1991, have not undergone recent vulnerability assessments despite increased ship traffic and larger vessels. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized the need for bridge owners to conduct assessments to determine risk levels and implement comprehensive risk reduction plans if necessary. The recommendation comes after findings that the Francis Scott Key Bridge had a collapse risk 30 times higher than the acceptable threshold, which was not addressed due to the lack of a vulnerability assessment. This initiative aims to prevent future disasters by urging bridge owners to collaborate with federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration for guidance.