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DOT provides update on Baltimore bridge collapse recovery

April 23, 2024

DOT’s Multimodal Freight Office finds that the Patapsco River cleanup remains on schedule, and East Coast ports have been able to accommodate diverted cargo.

Jeremy Wolfe

The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge left major logistical challenges, as it closed off access to the Port of Baltimore. Federal agencies continue to clear out nearby waters and move cargo.

The U.S. DOT held a meeting Friday between its Multimodal Freight Office, the National Economic Council, and East Coast port leaders to discuss the latest bridge collapse response efforts. The meeting provided updates on ongoing cargo diversions and the port cleanup process.

The bridge story so far

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26 after a container ship crashed into the bridge. The bridge was part of I-695 and was a major vehicle route for the Port of Baltimore. About 11.5 million vehicles crossed it annually. The bridge’s collapse impacted both local and national trucking operations.

Nationally, the collapse cut off maritime access to the Port of Baltimore, the largest port in the country for roll-on, roll-off equipment. Containers and Ro/Ro equipment destined for the port instead needed to be diverted to other ports across the Eastern U.S.

Locally, the collapse limits fleets’ operations in the area. Alternative routes around the bridge are not only longer but also face more significant traffic congestion and size/material limitations. Blocked maritime access for the port, paired with limited vehicle access for both the port and nearby Sparrow’s Point, also cut down regional freight movement. Because of this, local carriers are facing existential challenges.

Local commercial vehicle drivers affected by the collapse currently have access to regulatory exceptions to help ease operational hurdles.

Cargo reallocation

The Port of Baltimore’s lost maritime access caused a significant disturbance to the movement of roll-on/roll-off, dry bulk, breakbulk, and container cargo. Shipments originally intended for the port are instead diverting to other East Coast ports.

At the meeting, East Coast port leaders explained that they have so far been able to accommodate the increase in diverted cargo. They are also working with Maryland-based truck drivers to better enable access to port facilities.

Port reopening progress

The bridge’s collapse completely blocked safe maritime access to the Port of Baltimore. Crews have already opened two temporary, narrow channels in the Patapsco River. However, these are meant only for smaller vessels to contribute to recovery efforts.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ timeline to reopen the Port of Baltimore continues on schedule. USACE expects to open a 35-foot channel by the end of April and to reopen the entire channel for all vessels by the end of May.

More bridge collapse coverage

FleetOwner’s partner brands within Endeavor Business Media offer extended coverage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse across several industries. Here are some of the latest stories across EBM brands:

Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse: Podcast: Editors across several industry sectors discuss ongoing responses to the bridge collapse
—Industry Week

Federal Investigation Launched into Key Bridge Collapse: Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the events preceding the bridge’s collapse
—Roads & Bridges

Port Baltimore Disrupts Equipment Supply: Construction equipment and parts imports are delayed by the bridge collapse
—Construction Equipment

Considerations for Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge: The closure of the port has major economic implications, but concerns for expediting the rebuilding process remain high
—Roads & Bridges

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe | Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.