Baltimore Bridge: Some Lesser-Known Facts About Francis Scott Key Bridge

Reason of collapse

The Singapore-flagged vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, leading to its collapse on Tuesday. Six people so far have been presumed dead.

Not Originally Named After Key

The Baltimore bridge is also known as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which tragically collapsed earlier this week on March 26, 2024. Though its known as the Francis Scott Key Bridge today, it wasnt always named after the anthems author.

Opening of Bridge

The bridge was opened on March 23, 1977 and was the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimores Harbor, two tunnels and one bridge.

Designated for Hazardous Materials

Trucks carrying hazardous materials were restricted from the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and Fort McHenry Tunnel, so the Key Bridge became a designated route for them.

Formerly a toll bridge

Drivers had to pay to cross the Key Bridge until it became toll-free in 2007.

An engineering marvel

When it was built, the main span of the bridge was the third-longest continuous truss in the world.