Authorities plan alternate channel in Baltimore Harbor

Published: 01 April 2024 at 06:10

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A temporary channel for essential uses was under preparation Sunday night in the Baltimore Harbor, which was blocked by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, officials said. The Captain of the Port is preparing to establish a temporary alternate channel near the Key Bridge for commercially essential vessels, officials in charge of the bridge response said in a news release. It was not clear exactly how the alternate channel was to be created, when it could be opened or what vessels would be classified as essential. No information was immediately available on whether weight and size limits would be imposed for use of the alternate route. Also unclear was whether the channel could be used by any cargo ships docking at Baltimore, or whether it would be restricted to vessels involved in the effort to recover from the bridge collapse.

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Baltimore Port Closure Impact: Bridge Collapse Leads to Economic Losses and Relief Funding

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has suspended vessel traffic at the Port of Baltimore, affecting trade and supply chains. Maryland has received $60 million in federal funding for debris recovery. The incident involved the Dali, a Singapore-registered ship heading to Sri Lanka. The port handles various cargo, including automobiles and coal exports. While vessel traffic is halted, trucks are still moving within the terminals, impacting the ninth-largest US port's operations.

Efforts to Clean Up Francis Scott Key Bridge After Ship Collision in Baltimore

Authorities in Baltimore are working to clean up the debris in the Patapsco River after a 984-foot ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers, with only two bodies recovered so far. Salvage efforts involve cutting up the bridge, refloating the ship, and removing wreckage, albeit facing challenges like unsafe diving conditions. The process, similar to a past incident in Georgia, is expected to be time-intensive, but aims to reopen the shipping channel and aid in future salvage operations.

Port of Baltimore (Wikipedia)

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore is a shipping port along the tidal basins of the three branches of the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland on the upper northwest shore of the Chesapeake Bay. It is the nation's largest port facility for specialized cargo (roll-on/roll-off ships) and passenger facilities. It is operated by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), a unit of the Maryland Department of Transportation.During a 2006 celebration of the port's 300th birthday, the port was renamed in honor of Helen Delich Bentley (1923–2016), a former longtime U.S. Representative (Congresswoman) to the United States Congress (1985–1995) from Baltimore. She was also a former maritime reporter/editor for The Baltimore Sun, a local major daily newspaper.As of March 28, 2024, ship access to the port is blocked due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, however truck access remains open.

Impact of Francis Scott Key Bridge Disaster in Baltimore on Economy and Governments

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore will have significant economic repercussions, affecting thousands of business owners, disrupting tax revenue collection, and impacting the local and state governments as well as the rest of the country. The Port of Baltimore, the busiest in the U.S. for car shipments and handling farm machinery, faces challenges with exports and imports due to the bridge collapse. Experts warn of long-lasting economic effects and disruptions in supply chains, including implications for coal producers in West Virginia.

Cargo ship crash at Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore raises spotlight on the role of ship pilots

A cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and kill six construction workers. The incident highlighted the specialized role of ship pilots who navigate massive ships in and out of Baltimore's port with minimal clearance. Despite the quick actions of the pilots, experts believe there was little they could do to prevent the collision. Ship pilots are highly trained local knowledge experts who play a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of large ships carrying hazardous materials, such as oil, through challenging waterways like the Chesapeake Bay.

Francis Scott Key Bridge (Wikipedia)

Francis Scott Key Bridge, Key Bridge, or FSK Bridge can refer to:Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore), a bridge that previously carried Interstate 695, which crossed the outer harbor of Baltimore, MarylandFrancis Scott Key Bridge collapse, a 2024 incident involving the Baltimore bridgeFrancis Scott Key Bridge (Washington), a bridge carrying U.S. Route 29 which crosses the Potomac River between Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia

Cargo ship crash in Baltimore causes bridge collapse and major repercussions

A massive cargo ship lost power, leading to a crash with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in the bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River. Two construction workers were found dead, and four are presumed dead. The Baltimore port's closure will impact the city's economy and the country's supply chain. President Biden approved a $60 million federal aid request for emergency costs. Maryland Governor called for citizen support in rebuilding efforts. The port's closure affects the automobile industry, with some automakers rerouting shipments.

Senior House Republican predicts funding package for Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore to take shape in weeks

House Rules Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla, anticipates a funding package to aid with the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore will start to form in a matter of weeks. The collapse occurred after a barge struck the bridge, leading to its destruction and temporary shutdown of the Port of Baltimore. Potential damages include not only the bridge reconstruction but also the impact on port traffic. Congress is discussing its role in the situation and stands ready to collaborate with federal and state authorities.

Ship with Giant Crane en Route to Clear Baltimore Bridge Collapse Debris

A ship carrying a giant crane is on its way to help clear the debris of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after it collapsed into the Patapsco River, closing the entrance to the Port of Baltimore. Four men, all Latin American immigrants, are still missing and believed to have been killed in the incident. Recovery efforts were halted due to safety concerns. The community is mourning the loss, with the Baltimore mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs setting up a relief fund for the victims' families.

Floating Crane Arrives at Site of Collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

A massive floating crane capable of lifting 1,000 tons at once has arrived at the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge wreckage, weighing upwards of 4,000 tons, rests on the cargo ship Dali and will need to be cut into four parts for removal. Federal resources are being allocated to Maryland to address the incident and reopen the main shipping channel amidst challenges in clearing the debris from the bridge.

Collapse of Baltimore bridge and impact on US infrastructure

The collapse of a Baltimore bridge due to a cargo ship strike has highlighted the significance of bridges in American daily life. Six construction workers are presumed dead, and 30,000 daily drivers must find alternate routes. The closure impacts businesses and halts shipments at the Port of Baltimore. Over 42,400 US bridges are in poor condition, with aging structural components. Substructures and superstructures of these bridges are major concerns. More than 15,800 poor bridges were also in poor shape a decade ago, indicating ongoing infrastructure challenges.

Rebuilding Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge After Collapse Could Take Years and Cost $400 Million

The reconstruction of Baltimore's collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge could last 18 months to several years with costs estimated at $400 million or more. Factors affecting the timeline include design, permit approvals, and contract awards. Experts predict the project could take five to seven years, with contrasting views on how quickly it can be completed. The recent collapse killed six workers, leading to port closures. Similar instances like Florida's Sunshine Skyway and Minnesota's I-35W bridge provide context for potential reconstruction timelines.

Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore) (Wikipedia)

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, known originally as the Outer Harbor Crossing until it was renamed in 1976, while still under construction, or simply as the Key Bridge or Beltway Bridge, was a steel arch continuous through truss bridge spanning the lower Patapsco River and outer Baltimore Harbor / Port carrying Maryland Route 695 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The main span of 1,200 feet (366 m) was the third longest span of any continuous truss in the world. It was the second-longest bridge in the Baltimore metropolitan area, after the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. On March 26, 2024, at 01:28 a.m. EDT (UTC–4), the bridge partially collapsed after the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali collided with one of its support pillars.The bridge was opened on March 23, 1977, named for amateur poet Francis Scott Key (1779–1843), the author of the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". The bridge was the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor, two tunnels and one bridge. Upon completion, the bridge structure and its approaches became the final links in Interstate 695, the "Baltimore Beltway", completing a two decades long project. Despite the I-695 signage, the bridge was officially considered part of the state highway system and designated Maryland Route 695.The bridge was 8,636 feet (2,632 m) long and carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles annually. It was a designated hazardous materials truck route, as HAZMATs are prohibited in the Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry tunnels.The Key Bridge was a toll facility operated by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). As of July 1, 2013, the toll rate for cars was $4.00. The bridge was part of the E-ZPass system and included two dedicated E-ZPass lanes in its toll plaza in both the northbound and southbound directions. In April 2019, MDTA announced that the bridge would become a cashless toll facility by October 2019. With this system, customers without E-ZPass would pay using video tolling. Cashless tolling began on the bridge on October 30, 2019.The bridge was partially destroyed on March 26, 2024 when the container ship Dali crashed into a support pillar, leading to the complete failure of the bridge's center span.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse (Wikipedia)

On March 26, 2024, at 01:28 EDT (05:28 UTC), part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, collapsed after the container ship Dali struck one of its support pillars.Baltimore City Fire Department stated that at least seven vehicles fell into the water. Two people were recovered from the river; one was not injured while the other was transported to hospital in critical condition, and at least seven people are believed missing.

Former Governor Tim Pawlenty Comments on Bridge Collapse in Baltimore; Concerns Arise About Supply Chain Disruptions

Former Minnesota Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty commented on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, highlighting similarities to a previous bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Maryland authorities are focusing on mechanical failures of the ship that struck the bridge. The incident has led to the suspension of navigation through Baltimore Harbor, impacting coal exports to India. Indian markets are concerned about potential supply chain disruptions and price impacts, with a US-based trader warning of challenges for Indian importers and possible price jumps in petcoke.

Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (Wikipedia)

The Baltimore Harbor Tunnel is a pair of two-lane road tunnels carrying I-895 under the Patapsco River southeast of downtown Baltimore, Maryland.

Barge Collides with Bridge in Oklahoma, Temporarily Shutting Down Highway

A barge struck a bridge over the Arkansas River in Oklahoma causing the closure of US-59 south of Sallisaw until lanes were reopened. The incident led to the highway's closure and a diversion of traffic, though no injuries were reported. The bridge will remain closed for inspection following the collision. The cause of the barge hitting the bridge remains unknown amidst concurrent efforts to address the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

Concerns Over the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge Closure and Nationwide Infrastructure Issues

The Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge in Washington, previously reopened with a new span, is now closed due to concerns about its vintage section. The closure, like that of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, highlights the challenges of aging infrastructure. Approximately 42,400 US bridges are in poor condition, with issues in their support structures. The closure of the Interstate 195 bridge in Rhode Island last year exemplifies the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance, with replacement costs estimated at $300 million. These incidents underscore a national struggle with infrastructure upkeep.

Key Bridge (Washington, D.C.) (Wikipedia)

The Key Bridge, is a six-lane reinforced concrete arch bridge conveying U.S. Route 29 (US 29) traffic across the Potomac River between the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington County, Virginia, and the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1923, it is Washington's oldest surviving road bridge across the Potomac River.Key Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Cargo Ship Dali Collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

The cargo ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, causing significant damage. Efforts to remove the wreckage involved barges with cranes and a Chesapeake 1000 crane. Maryland Governor Wes Moore spoke at a news conference at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, Maryland on Friday, March 29, 2024, regarding the incident.

Inner Harbor (Wikipedia)

The Inner Harbor is a historic seaport, tourist attraction, and landmark in Baltimore, Maryland. It was described by the Urban Land Institute in 2009 as "the model for post-industrial waterfront redevelopment around the world". The Inner Harbor is located at the mouth of Jones Falls, creating the wide and short northwest branch of the Patapsco River. The district includes any water west of a line drawn between the foot of President Street and the American Visionary Art Museum.The name "Inner Harbor" is used not just for the water but for the surrounding area of the city, with approximate street boundaries of President Street to the east, Lombard Street to the north, Greene Street to the west, and Key Highway on the south. The harbor is within walking distance of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. A water taxi connects passengers to Fells Point, Canton, and Fort McHenry.

Cargo Ship Involved in Power Failure Investigation Refueled in China, South Korea, and the United States

The Dali cargo ship refueled in the Chinese cities of Zhangzhou and Zhoushan, as well as in Busan, South Korea, before heading to the East Coast of the United States. Investigators are looking into fuel as a factor in the power failure that led to the ship crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The data from the UN's LRIT system and MarineTraffic confirms the ship's route and fueling stops, although specifics on the fuel type, origin, and quality are not available.