5 Philadelphia-Area Bridges Named in NTSB Safety Inspections Report
Safety officials want quick inspections of 68 bridges across 19 states, including 5 Philadelphia bridges, that need updated ship-collision safety reviews. This comes after the devastating March 26 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Among the bridges needing inspection are five key crossings near Philadelphia: the Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin, Commodore Barry, Betsy Ross, and Delaware River Turnpike bridges. These older bridges were built before today’s safety standards existed.
“Had they done that, the collapse could have been prevented,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy to ABC News.
The Baltimore tragedy killed six people when the Dali crashed into the Key Bridge. The port shut down for weeks, causing major shipping problems throughout the area.
Studies showed the Key Bridge had risks 30 times higher than what’s considered safe for critical infrastructure. While being on the inspection list doesn’t mean immediate danger, officials say thorough checks are needed soon.
Delaware River Port Authority CEO John Hanson highlighted existing safety measures. “All of our bridges have protection systems in place to prevent ships from striking them,” said Hanson to 6ABC.
The Delaware River bridges use special barriers – called dolphins – placed near support piers. These structures help push ships away from important bridge foundations.
If inspections show risks above highway officials’ guidelines, the NTSB wants bridge operators to come up with safety improvement plans.
A group of experts from three federal agencies will help bridge operators make needed upgrades. The team includes specialists from the Federal Highway Administration, Coast Guard, and Army Corps of Engineers.
Using detailed AASHTO Method II calculations, experts will figure out yearly collapse risk. Bridge operators need to show their structures meet current safety standards through these checks.
The inspection process will prioritize bridges with high shipping traffic and outdated designs, ensuring the most vulnerable structures receive immediate attention. Officials stress that these assessments are a proactive measure to prevent future disasters and improve overall bridge safety. Local transportation authorities are also reviewing emergency response plans to enhance preparedness in case of structural failures.
