Discover essential details about the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge

March 27, 2024 hiremasterpk

Early Tuesday, the renowned Francis Scott Key Bridge suffered a collapse following a significant incident involving a container ship, which lost power and collided with the iconic Baltimore structure. This catastrophic event resulted in individuals and vehicles being plunged into the icy waters of the Patapsco River.

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Regrettably, six individuals, suspected to be members of a road construction team, are feared dead. The Coast Guard has concluded its active search and rescue operation in response to this tragic incident.

also read: March 26, 2024 – Baltimore’s Key Bridge Collapse Following Ship Collision

Explore key facts about the historic bridge:

Age: The Francis Scott Key Bridge, known as the Key Bridge, opened to traffic in March 1977. It serves as the final link in the Baltimore Beltway, spanning the 50-foot-deep Patapsco River, where Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner, notes the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

Length: Standing at 1.6 miles, according to MDTA reports, the bridge connects vital areas.

Traffic: Over 30,000 commuters traverse the bridge daily, as highlighted by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Cost: Constructing the bridge incurred a $60.3 million expense, states MDTA. President Joe Biden pledges support for its swift reconstruction following the collapse.

Port Importance: Baltimore ranks ninth among US ports for international cargo. In 2023, it handled a record 52.3 million tons valued at $80.8 billion. The port sustains 15,330 direct jobs and supports 139,180 positions in related services, per Maryland state government data.

Vessel Details: The bridge’s collapse resulted from a collision with the container vessel Dali, chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk and operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group. With a length of approximately 984 feet, as per MarineTraffic data, the Dali measures nearly three football fields in length.