BALTIMORE — Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore beginning of tuesday Traffic in the area was severely affected, with major arterial routes in and out of the port city cut off.
Large container ship collides with bridge pillar Around 1:30 a.m., bridge workers and vehicles were sent into the Patapsco River. On Tuesday night, a water search for the six missing workers turned into a recovery effort.
Drivers are being urged to prepare for additional commute time until further notice.
Alternative route after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
Maryland transportation officials quickly set up detours for travelers passing through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 people who cross the bridge each day will need to find a new route in the near future.
Outer Loop I-695 closure has been redirected to Exit 1/Quarantine Road (passing the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to enhance local transportation access.
The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Highway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of Interstate 695 will be closed.
Alternative routes include north-south routes I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel).
Commercial vehicles carrying materials prohibited in tunnel crossings, including recreational vehicles carrying propane, should plan to use Interstate 695 (Baltimore Loop) between Essex and Glen Burnie. there is. This significantly increases driving time.
Where is Francis Scott Key Bridge?
Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River. The Patapsco River is an important waterway that, along with the Port of Baltimore, serves as a shipping hub for the East Coast.
The bridge is the outermost of three toll intersections at the Port of Baltimore and is the last link on Interstate 695, known locally as the Baltimore Loop, connecting Baltimore and Washington, DC.
MDTA said the bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity, causing heavy traffic congestion almost daily.
Tractor trailer inspection
Currently, tractor-trailers permitted to use the tunnel must be inspected for hazardous materials that are not permitted in the tunnel, potentially further impeding traffic.
MDTA requires that vehicles transporting more than 10 pounds of bottled propane gas (up to 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, large quantities of radioactive materials, or other hazardous materials be transported through the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95 ) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials will be required to use the west section of Interstate 695 around the tunnel, officials said.
