Originally Posted by GizmoWhiskers (Post 2316048)

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.

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy (Post 2316060)

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.

Originally Posted by phylt (Post 2316068)

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by kkingston57 (Post 2316939)

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.

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2316953)

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.

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2316968)

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.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2316449)

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%.

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2316312)

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.