Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge along the busy interstate 695 southeast corridor collapsed into the Patapsco River early on the morning of March 26 after a support column was struck by a cargo ship. Two people were rescued from the water that day, and one has been released from the hospital. As of March 27, recovery efforts remain underway for six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of the accident and are presumed to be dead.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is asking motorists to use interstates 95 and 895 as alternate travel routes, which will increase traffic for these and other routes in the region. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials prohibited in tunnels should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels, the MDTA posted on social media.
The 1.6-mile-long bridge crosses the Patapsco River as it makes its way from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay. One of three ways to cross Baltimore Harbor, the bridge carried more than 12.4 million vehicles in 2023, according to the MDTA.
The impact of the bridge collapse will be felt throughout the region for some time to come, not just by daily commuters but also by other motorists dealing with detouring/rerouting traffic, tourists traveling up and down the East Coast, and truckers/delivery drivers.
In addition to additional time spent commuting, drivers could be looking at increased commuting costs for gas, wear and tear on vehicles, bridge tolls, etc.
AAA released the following advice for travelers:
STAY CONNECTED
Drivers should stay current on the latest updates from the state of Maryland on the incident, including social media updates.
PLAN
Motorists should have a commuting plan, which may include adjusting schedule/hours, considering remote/hybrid work and mapping out alternate routes.
CONSIDER PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Commuters may want to consider using public transportation, particularly during times of heavy traffic.
SPRING BREAK TRAVEL
Drivers should be prepared for backups and delays as commuters and travelers move to alternate routes.
Our hearts go out to the survivors and the families of the deceased.
