Truckers and other motorists can expect travel delays as Baltomore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, which carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River, was struck by a container ship and collapsed early this morning.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency as emergency responders searched the scene of the collapse. Two people have been pulled from the water and rescue workers are said to be searching for at least seven others. Reports say a road repair crew was working on the 1.6-mile-long bridge.
While the port has been closed to shipping traffic, the Maryland Port Authority said it is still processing trucks.
The Maryland Transportation Authority posted this to Facebook:
Motorists must avoid this southeast corridor of I-695. I-695 Outer Loop closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Expressway (exit 43). Harbor Crossings alternate routes will be I-95 or I-895 tunnels.
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials prohibited in tunnels should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels. This includes vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials.
Vehicles in excess of 13’-6”, in height, or 96” (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel restrictions are height – 14’ - 6” width – 11’
The bridge was struck by the 948-foot-long containership the Dali at about 1:30 a.m. Reports say none of the crew of the vessel, which is owned by Maersk, were injured when a [portion of the bridge landed on the ship's deck. The Singaporian-flagged vessel was bound for Sri Lanka.
Baltimore's police commissioner said there is "absolutely no indication" that the bridge strike was intentional.
