Prior ship mishaps boosted confidence in strength of Baltimore bridge

The Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after being hit by a large container ship, resulting in six fatalities. Historical footage and past incidents highlight the ongoing concerns about bridge safety. Experts discuss the challenges of protecting bridges from modern, larger ships. The design of the bridge, known as a fracture critical bridge, means that the loss of a main support can lead to collapse. Authorities are investigating the lack of protective structures and the impact on the economy and safety.

What event led to the collapse of the Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore?

• An earthquake

• A large container ship collision

• A terrorist attack

• A severe storm

What was the main concern raised after the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster in Florida?

• The vulnerability of bridge support structures to ship collisions

• The cost of bridge maintenance

• The height of the bridge

• The strength of the bridge's materials

What did the Coast Guard records reveal about the 1980 incident involving the Key Bridge?

• The bridge was completely destroyed

• The ship was carrying hazardous materials

• The protective structure absorbed the collision

• The incident caused a major traffic disruption

How did the size of modern ships compare to those from the early days of the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

• Modern ships are lighter

• Modern ships are much larger

• Modern ships are about the same size

• Modern ships are smaller

What is a 'fracture critical bridge' as mentioned in the context of the Key Bridge?

• A bridge with redundant support systems

• A bridge that can withstand multiple support failures

• A bridge that collapses if one main support is compromised

• A bridge designed to be earthquake-resistant

What is the main focus of the ongoing investigation into the Key Bridge collapse?

• The environmental impact of the collapse

• The protective structures around the bridge's pilings

• The design of the bridge's roadway

• The materials used in the bridge's construction

What is the broader implication of the Key Bridge collapse for bridge safety?

• The reduction of traffic on bridges

• The necessity of updating protective measures for modern ship sizes

• The importance of regular maintenance checks

• The need for more aesthetic bridge designs