Baltimore bridge disaster: Have their been similar bridge collapses in the past?

Recovery efforts continue by the collapsed Baltimore bridge. Though the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse was caused by an outside force, namely a container ship, plenty of other bridges are at risk of collapse simply by virture of age. The American Society of Civil Engineers notes that 7.5% of American bridges are “structurally deficient” according to their 2021 policy statement.

While this specific cause is less common, bridge failures throughout history highlight the importance of maintenance and safety protocols.

Bridge collapses in the US...

Looking at bridge collapses due to structural issues, a tragic example is the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2007. This eight-lane bridge suffered a catastrophic failure during rush hour, sending vehicles plummeting into the Mississippi River. Investigations revealed design flaws and inadequate maintenance as contributing factors.

Another incident with a devastating impact was the Point Pleasant Bridge collapse in West Virginia in 1962. This eyebar suspension bridge, completed in 1854, gave way under the weight of a loaded school bus. The disaster claimed 31 lives, mostly children. Subsequent inquiries pointed to a combination of overloading and a lack of regular inspections.

Reaching even further into the past, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is perhaps the most famous bridge collapse.

Nicknamed “Galloping Gertie” due to its pronounced vertical oscillations in high winds, the bridge collapsed just four months after it opened. The event was captured on film.

And abroad

Moving beyond the United States, the Genoa bridge collapse in Italy in 2018 serves as another chilling example. This motorway bridge, built in the 1960s, suffered a partial collapse during heavy traffic.

The cause was attributed to long-term corrosion of support towers. 59 people have been on trial in Italy due to the collapse.