Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore

**ajg617** · 03-26-2024, 07:16 AM

For those who may not have tuned in to the news yet and are in the area or planning to transit through Baltimore, the Key Bridge was hit by a larger container ship in the early morning hours and has completely collapsed. Rescue efforts are underway as both vehicles and construction workers were on the bridge at the time. Needless to say, the southern route of 695 is now closed as is Baltimore harbor. Can only say prayers for the victims and their families as the numbers are not yet known. The video of the collision and collapse is on most of the news channels.

**WhittleBurner** · 03-26-2024, 07:55 AM

What a tragedy for those on the bridge and their families . I just saw the video of collapse, reminiscent of when the Skyway bridge in Tampa Bay collapsed 44 years ago.

**Second Chance** · 03-26-2024, 08:55 AM

I need to correct @ajg617 slightly and say that the Key Bridge is on the southeast part of loop I-695 and the loop is still accessible going to the west from I-95. Coming up (or down) the I-95 corridor, we always use the west loop when towing, anyway.

We are long-term in the Baltimore area these days and were shocked to wake up to this headline this morning. Our hearts go out to those on the bridge when it collapsed.

Rob

**ajg617** · 03-26-2024, 09:05 AM

Correct Rob, but that's going put a lot of traffic that can't go through the tunnels onto the long 695 beltway making getting to/from Annapolis area harder. We used to always take the Key Bridge and Rt 2 from Annapolis when heading to/from NJ to visit our parents.

**Second Chance** · 03-26-2024, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by ajg617

Correct Rob, but that's going put a lot of traffic that can't go through the tunnels onto the long 695 beltway making getting to/from Annapolis area harder. We used to always take the Key Bridge and Rt 2 from Annapolis when heading to/from NJ to visit our parents.

Gotcha. Laura and I were trying to remember when the one time we towed across the Key bridge was and we think it was our first trip to APG (north of Baltimore on 95) in 2015. I didn't like the height of the bridge nor the narrowness of the lanes with semis a few inches from my left side. I vowed then and there we wouldn't do that while towing again and used western 695 ever since - only adds about 20 minutes.

Rob

**trailrydr** · 03-26-2024, 09:23 AM

Do they normally send container ships that tall under that bridge? I know its a port... but WOW! And dont they use a Harbor Master to get them big boys in/out? Crap happens for sure... but man.

**Scott'n'Wendy** · 03-26-2024, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by trailrydr

Do they normally send container ships that tall under that bridge?

I'll bet it's the first time...

**Second Chance** · 03-26-2024, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by trailrydr

Do they normally send container ships that tall under that bridge? I know its a port... but WOW! And dont they use a Harbor Master to get them big boys in/out? Crap happens for sure... but man.

Yes - the bridge clearance is (was) 185' above MSL. Baltimore is a busy port with a lot of container shipping going on all the time. The issue here was not height. The ship lost power and hit one of the towers.

Rob

**ajg617** · 03-26-2024, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Second Chance

Gotcha. Laura and I were trying to remember when the one time we towed across the Key bridge was and we think it was our first trip to APG (north of Baltimore on 95) in 2015. I didn't like the height of the bridge nor the narrowness of the lanes with semis a few inches from my left side. I vowed then and there we wouldn't do that while towing again and used western 695 ever since - only adds about 20 minutes.

Rob

All the bridges in MD give me the creeps - the one 95 crossing the Susquehanna, 301 over the Potomac, 50 from Annapolis. 301 used to be one lane each way and it is so high I couldn't see the road over the hood of the truck as we reached the top. 50 used to be 3 lanes with middle lane open in one direction depending upon rush hour commute. No barriers between either of them and a lot of truck traffic.

**ajg617** · 03-26-2024, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by trailrydr

Do they normally send container ships that tall under that bridge? I know its a port... but WOW! And dont they use a Harbor Master to get them big boys in/out? Crap happens for sure... but man.

Normal size for Port of Baltimore - immense container ships. There were two US pilots on board at the time that reportedly took control to try and avoid a collision with the bridge. What they really need are tugs.