BALTIMORE — The Francis Scott Key Bridge has collapsed into the water after a large ship collided with it.
Baltimore City Police were alerted of workers possibly falling in the water, around 1:35 Tuesday morning.
The bridge is just one of three routes into Baltimore's Harbor. It accounts for a 1.6 mile stretch of I-695.
Millions of vehicles cross over it each year. All lanes in both directions have been shut down indefinitely, impacting commuters.
For those not familiar with Francis Scott Key Bridge & its impact on transportation in #Baltimore region. It’s one of 3 ways to cross the Harbor.
— Mallory Sofastaii WMAR (@mal_sofastaii) March 26, 2024
1.6-mile section of Baltimore’s beltway, I-695.
Constructed in 1977 for ≈$110M
11.3M vehicles cross it every year @WMAR2News pic.twitter.com/rUjMQaMmw6
DETOURS:
The outer loop I-695 closure has shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed.
Drivers should use I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. Commuter Bus is not affected at this time.
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials (including propane over 10 lbs), maximum of 10 containers, are prohibited in tunnels and should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels.
The Port of Baltimore is still open for truck transactions. Vessel (waterway) traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice.
In response to the bridge collapse, Mayor Brandon Scott declared a State of Emergency.
"The Executive Order mobilizes the City of Baltimore’s Emergency Operations Plan to deploy emergency resources to protect the person's affected by the incident and expands the resources available to tackle the emergency situation."
