Bridges in Danger: Why Some U. S. Bridges Need Urgent Checks

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is a tragic reminder that some bridges in the U. S. might be at a higher risk of collapsing than we think. This bridge, which fell apart after a cargo ship hit it, was found to be 30 times more likely to collapse than it should have been. This shocking fact was revealed by the top U. S. transportation safety agency. This incident highlights a bigger problem. There are 68 bridges across 19 states that need urgent checks to see how safe they are. These bridges, built before 1994, might not hold up if a large ship hits them. The list includes famous bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and the Golden Gate Bridge in California. These bridges are not guaranteed to collapse, but it's better to be safe than sorry. The NTSB is pushing for these checks because they could have prevented the Baltimore tragedy. If Maryland had done a risk assessment earlier, they might have found ways to make the bridge safer. This is not just about old bridges. It's about making sure people are safe when they cross these structures. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was built in 1977, when ships were smaller. Now, with bigger ships around, the risk has increased. The bridge's collapse killed six construction workers. It could have been worse if police hadn't stopped traffic in time. The NTSB is not just talking about the problem. They are calling for action. They want state transportation agencies to check these bridges and come up with plans to make them safer. This is not just about fixing bridges. It's about saving lives. The NTSB is still investigating the Baltimore bridge collapse. They plan to share more information soon. This is a wake-up call for everyone. Bridges are not just structures. They are lifelines that connect communities. We need to make sure they are safe for everyone. The NTSB is serious about this. They have been warning about the need for these checks since the Baltimore collapse. They are not just talking. They are pushing for real action. Public safety is at stake, and that's something we all should care about.