Maryland Transportation Authority Enhances Safety Measures for Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The Maryland Transportation Authority recently completed a comprehensive study on the survivability of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the event of a ship strike. The study revealed the need for additional protection measures to align with modern safety guidelines, following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore earlier this year.

In March 2024, a ship strike resulted in the collapse of the Key Bridge, claiming the lives of six individuals and necessitating billions of dollars for its replacement. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified the lack of adequate risk analysis and pier protection as key factors contributing to the incident. As a result, the NTSB urged 30 bridge authorities to conduct safety assessments on vulnerable spans across the country.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy specifically called out the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), the owner of the Key Bridge, for failing to complete an assessment of the nearby Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which was also flagged as a vulnerable span. In response to these concerns, MDTA has now finalized its review of the Bay Bridge’s vulnerability.

Following a $600,000 study, MDTA determined that enhancing the protection of the bridge’s piers is essential to mitigate the risk of a ship strike. Proposed measures include reinforcing pier bases with additional fenders and installing new dolphins – large rock-and-concrete structures designed to prevent ships from colliding with the piers.

In the short term, MDTA is considering implementing new communication protocols for vessel pilots, reducing vessel speeds, enforcing one-way transits, and optimizing traffic management on the bridge. While tug escorts were not included in the initial list of possibilities, the agency remains committed to enhancing safety measures.

The estimated cost of the proposed refit program is approximately $160 million. MDTA emphasizes that this investment is voluntary, as the Bay Bridge currently meets legal standards for legacy spans, despite falling short of the safety recommendations outlined by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

With the Bay Bridge’s twin spans approaching the end of their lifespan, the infrastructure improvements made now could be seamlessly integrated into future bridge replacement projects. MDTA’s chief engineer highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety enhancements for the bridge’s protection and resilience.