The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is not the first deadly collapse of a major interstate bridge in the US. The response to the bridge failure in Minneapolis in 2007, where cars were bumper to bumper on Interstate 35W during evening rush hour, could serve as a roadmap for Baltimore. The collapse of the I-35W bridge resulted in thirteen deaths and nearly 150 injuries, cutting off a major transportation artery for the Twin Cities where 140,000 cars crossed it daily. Concerns around traffic snarls and economic impact were high after the collapse.
Following the collapse of the I-35W bridge, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) took swift action, restriping major highways and interstates to create more driving lanes. Additionally, the state inspected all truss bridges and established a program to repair and replace any structurally deficient bridges within 10 years. The federal government also reacted swiftly by unanimously passing $250 million in emergency funding for Minnesota and fast-tracking the construction of a replacement bridge. The new I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge was opened in just 13 months, a fast turnaround by infrastructure standards.
The collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore has significantly impacted traffic and commerce in the area, closing the nation’s ninth-busiest port until salvage companies can clear the channel. Ships will be re-routed, as will daily commutes and commercial traffic. The collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis also resulted in changes in traffic patterns, with some trips vanishing entirely. The economic impact of the I-35W bridge collapse was estimated to be up to $220,000 per day.
Five months after the I-35W bridge collapse, several small businesses closed due to diminished customer traffic. The economic impact was further complicated by the broader financial crisis that led to the Great Recession. However, quick implementation of major traffic restoration projects by MnDOT had the potential to save road-users thousands of dollars per day, resulting in a highly beneficial economic impact. In the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse, there is hope that attention will be brought to vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure to prevent future disasters.
The response to the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis serves as a model for how cities can quickly recover from a major bridge failure. By taking immediate action, accurately assessing and addressing the damages, and securing funding for reconstruction, cities like Baltimore can minimize the economic impact and restore critical transportation arteries in a timely manner. The lessons learned from the Minneapolis bridge collapse can guide the recovery efforts in Baltimore and future infrastructure projects across the US.
