Baltimore Bridge (Francis Scott Key Bridge)

• 17 Apr 2024

Source: TH

Recently, a container vessel collided with the Baltimore Bridge, causing several parts to break and fall into the Patapsco River.

• It is named after Francis Scott Key, the writer of the American national anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner).
• The ship deviated from the standard route under the Bridge, unlike large ships leaving the Port.
• The Bridge lacked redundancy and was "fracture critical," meaning a failure in any member could lead to a partial or complete collapse.
  • Baltimore was the 17^th biggest port in the United States in 2021.
  • It is the biggest vehicle-handling port in the country, including cars and heavy farm equipment.

Patapsco River:

• The lower Patapsco River connects the Port of Baltimore to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Patapsco River mainstem is a 39-mile river in central Maryland that flows into the Chesapeake Bay.
• The river's tidal portion forms the harbour for the city of Baltimore.

Read more: Major Ports in India