Authorities Prepare to Resume Baltimore Bridge.
Authorities intend to restart restricted maritime activity near the Francis Scott Key Baltimore Bridge
The port captain is getting ready to create a temporary alternate route on the northeast section of the main channel for crucial commercial vessels, as stated in a news release issued Sunday evening by the Unified Command.
Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, the federal on-scene coordinator of the Key Bridge Response 2024, stated in the release, "This will mark an important initial step toward reopening the port of Baltimore. By establishing this alternative route, we will facilitate the movement of marine traffic into Baltimore."
Officials did not immediately provide an answer regarding the opening date of the channel.
Vessel traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore's various terminals has been halted since early Tuesday, following a collision with a freighter that caused the bridge to collapse, resulting in six fatalities. While two bodies have been recovered, four more individuals are presumed dead.
6 workers missing after Baltimore bridge collapse
Authorities have announced that all six workers who went missing following the collapse of a Baltimore bridge on Tuesday are presumed dead, and the search for them has been halted until Wednesday morning.
Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr., superintendent for Maryland State Police, stated on Tuesday evening that the search and rescue operation was shifting to a recovery effort. He mentioned that divers would resume their efforts at 6 a.m. Wednesday, anticipating better conditions as overnight challenges eased.
Insight into the Bridge Collapse
Involvement of the Ship
According to ship tracking data from LSEG, the collision at the accident site involved the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali. Reuters reports that the vessel is registered to Grace Ocean Pte Ltd., managed by Synergy Marine Group.
Synergy Marine Corp confirmed that the Dali collided with one of the bridge's pillars, ensuring the safety of all crew members, including two pilots.
Disruption to Traffic:
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has announced the closure of all lanes in both directions on I-695 Key Bridge, leading to traffic diversions.
Significance of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Structural Characteristics:
Named after the author of the "Star Spangled Banner," the Francis Scott Key Bridge spans 1.6 miles with four lanes and crosses over the Patapsco River.
Built as a steel-arched bridge, it serves as the outermost of three primary Patapsco River crossings at Baltimore Harbor.
Originally constructed in 1977, it held the distinction of being the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span worldwide.
Economic Importance:
The collapse of the bridge disrupts crucial East Coast shipping routes, impacting the transportation of goods and commodities.
In 2023, the port terminals handled 847,158 autos and light trucks, marking the highest number handled by any U.S. port.
The port facilitates the transportation of various commodities, including farm and construction machinery, sugar, gypsum, and coal.
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