Truss Bridges Under Scrutiny

Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari announced last week that the state would begin an inspection of all of the state’s 10 truss bridges, which are the same design as the Interstate 35 bridge that collapsed Wednesday in Minneapolis. Bridges in Maryland are inspected at least once every two years and some major crossings, such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, are inspected once each year, the State Highway Administration said. The bridge is one of the 10 crossings that will be inspected as a result of the I-35 collapse. The bay bridge’s dual spans, which have portions that are deck truss designs, provide a direct connection between Maryland's Eastern Shore and Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. At a press conference Thursday, Porcari stressed that his transportation team will be following the investigation in Minneapolis very closely to determine if any modifications to the construction, maintenance, operation, or bridge inspection program in Maryland are warranted. “Maryland’s highways and bridges are safe,” Porcari said. “However, we will be relentless in our efforts to improve our practices where we can and learn whatever lessons the tragedy in Minneapolis may offer.” His comments came a day after at least five people were killed and 79 injured when the bridge dropped more than 60 feet into the Mississippi River on Wednesday. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the bridge failure.Gov. Martin O’Malley echoed Porcari’s comments. “As we continue to feel concern for the individuals and families affected by this tragic incident, it is important for Marylanders to be reassured that our state transportation infrastructure is safe,” O’Malley said. “The rigorous inspection protocols and aggressive rehabilitation programs practiced in Maryland exceed the standards set by the federal government. Public safety is our top priority. We need to continue to invest in our transportation system to ensure its integrity into the future.”