Truck drivers and other motorists should anticipate delays due to an incident involving a container ship colliding with and causing the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which spans over the Patapsco River along Interstate 695. This occurred early this morning.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency, and rescue efforts are underway at the site of the bridge collapse. Two individuals have been rescued from the water so far, with emergency responders continuing to search for at least seven others who are missing. Initial reports indicate that a crew was conducting road repairs on the 1.6-mile-long bridge at the time of the incident.

Although the port is currently closed to shipping traffic, the Maryland Port Authority has assured that truck processing operations are still functioning.

The Maryland Transportation Authority has shared updates about the situation on their Facebook page.

Motorists must avoid this southeast corridor of I-695. I-695 Outer Loop closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Expressway (exit 43). Harbor Crossings alternate routes will be I-95 or I-895 tunnels.

Vehicles transporting hazardous materials prohibited in tunnels should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels. This includes vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials.

Vehicles in excess of 13’-6”, in height, or 96” (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel restrictions are height – 14’ – 6” width – 11’ 

At approximately 1:30 a.m., the Francis Scott Key Bridge was hit by the 948-foot-long containership named the Dali. According to reports, a segment of the bridge landed on the deck of the vessel. Fortunately, none of the crew on board, belonging to Maersk, the ship’s owner, sustained any injuries. The ship, flying the flag of Singapore, was en route to Sri Lanka at the time of the incident.

Baltimore’s police commissioner has stated that there is “absolutely no indication” to suggest that the collision with the bridge was deliberate.