[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by GizmoWhiskers

Yes, terrible. Prayers for those involved.

That bridge looked like a dinosaur. How is it that a bridge like that was subjected to this threat for YEARS. Why wasn't a technologically sufficient bridge put in years ago??

Raises the question exactly where is the $$ trillions for "infrastructure" going in this country??

Clearly not toward the re-design of critical water way commerce travel under prehistoric bridges.

Agree infrastructure needs to be addressed and until recently Congress would not appropriate the monies needed. This was a terrible accidnentClearly the ship hit the bridge and was out of control when it struck the 47 year old bridge. There are hundreds if not thousands of other bridges that should need work before this bridge. Can you imagine the up roar that would have happened if the CIty of Baltimore had been given any money for the modernization of this bridge when there are a lot more that needed to be repaired/replaced

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

I thought tug boats steered ships out of harbors, even though there was a harbor master on board clearly he could do nothing. Seems like tug boats could have prevented this tragedy.

Agree 100%. Shipping companies would not like this and claim that this was the 1st accident after bridge was completed in 1977

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by phylt

I know it's early, BUT not much re the SHIP'S owners responsibility and culpability. Insurance should remit for their liability in this disaster. As usual, the knee-jerk is ---- the Fed govt will pay to rebuild etc etc. Must there be lawsuits after WE pay to get relief. The USA taxpayer always seems to be the easy mark.

The owners of this ship are registered in Singapore and have hundreds of these cargo ships. Who CAUSED this disaster??? Not the bridge engineers, but the source - the SHIP.

Pay up ship owners/insurance companies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone needs to get things rolling 1st. Bridge is part of the intrastate highway system and trust that there are laws/agreements as to who pays to repair it. Regarding insurance, maritime laws will probably apply and they are not like the laws which apply to something like a car accident in the US.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

Someone needs to get things rolling 1st. Bridge is part of the intrastate highway system and trust that there are laws/agreements as to who pays to repair it. Regarding insurance, maritime laws will probably apply and they are not like the laws which apply to something like a car accident in the US.

If tolls are collected to cross the bridge why is the municipality that owns it passing the buck to the fed govt? Let them pay to fix it and than fight it out in court.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

If tolls are collected to cross the bridge why is the municipality that owns it passing the buck to the fed govt? Let them pay to fix it and than fight it out in court.

Tolls charged on the Key Bridge totaled $56.8 million in revenue for Maryland in 2023, according to a 2023 report from the MDTA. That sum is 8% of all toll revenue for MDTA. Maryland is now asking for 60 million from the federal government to pay for their budget shortfall in 2024. The bridge was a money printing press for state lawmakers. Tolls have long since paid for the bridge and repair work.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Normal

Tolls charged on the Key Bridge totaled $56.8 million in revenue for Maryland in 2023, according to a 2023 report from the MDTA. That sum is 8% of all toll revenue for MDTA. Maryland is now asking for 60 million from the federal government to pay for their budget shortfall in 2024. The bridge was a money printing press for state lawmakers. Tolls have long since paid for the bridge and repair work.

Sad that the tolls that have long since paid for the bridge do not go for maintenance and repairs.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Build higher and stronger.

If only they had checked the magic 8 ball.
Seriously, tugs are a good help, normally. But even tugs can have breakdowns. Accidents happen. Nothing is 100%.

1/2 hour extra probably correct. On other side, bridge has been there for 47 years and no other bad accidents How many ships went thru without an incident?

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by Normal

If the bridge is rebuilt it could cost up to 350 million dollars.

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First you will have those that will want to redesign the whole thing etc. Everyone will have a better idea. Then the politicians will take their pokes at it which can be a very scary thing financially. Finally, engineers and contractors will get together for the boots on the ground rebuild. Does anyone really see this getting done in less than 4 years time? The new, improved, more costly bridge is gonna take a while.

Currently the mega cruise ships can not use that port. Bet they will get their 2 cents in and see if a higher bridge is plausible