Safety Alert: Two Richmond Bridges Identified for Collapse Risk Evaluation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that 68 bridges across 19 U.S. states undergo vulnerability assessments to evaluate their risk of collapse in the event of a vessel collision. This initiative follows the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, which resulted in the loss of six road workers’ lives.
Among the bridges highlighted for assessment are two in the Richmond-Wayne County area:
The NTSB’s list includes other notable structures such as New York’s Brooklyn Bridge and California’s Golden Gate Bridge.
It’s important to note that the NTSB’s recommendation doesn’t suggest these bridges are in immediate danger of collapse. Instead, it urges bridge owners to assess whether these structures fall within the acceptable risk levels set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
In Indiana, the situation is also a concern. A 2019 study revealed that over 1,200 bridges in the state were considered structurally deficient, though this was an improvement from previous years. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) invests approximately $400 million annually in bridge projects, ranging from complete reconstructions to routine maintenance, to address these issues.
For residents and travelers in the Richmond area, staying informed about bridge evaluations and maintenance projects is crucial for safety and planning purposes.
