3 Pacific Northwest Bridges at Risk: Federal Report Warns of Potential Ship Collision Hazards

The Astoria-Megler Bridge and the St. Johns Bridge in Oregon recently made headlines after a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report suggested they should undergo vulnerability assessments. This came after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed last March when it was struck by a container ship, tragically resulting in six deaths.

The NTSB found that the Maryland Transportation Authority had not conducted recommended safety checks. This lack of assessment contributed to the bridge’s collapse, emphasizing the importance of ongoing evaluations for bridges that could be affected by ship collisions. The NTSB identified 68 bridges nationwide that also require this type of scrutiny but have not yet been evaluated for such risks.

Many of these bridges, including the Astoria-Megler Bridge, were built before newer safety standards were established in 1991. The Astoria-Megler Bridge connects Oregon and Washington along Highway 101 and was completed in 1966. The St. Johns Bridge, spanning the Willamette River, was built in 1931.

Ray Bottenberg, a bridge engineer with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), reassured the public about the safety of these structures. He mentioned that routine maintenance and inspections are crucial to their upkeep. The department evaluates bridge conditions and publishes annual reports on their status. “We take these recommendations seriously and are actively implementing changes,” Bottenberg stated.

Both the Astoria-Megler and St. Johns bridges are currently rated in fair condition. ODOT shares ownership of the Astoria-Megler Bridge with Washington State, and discussions are ongoing with Washington officials about the next steps following the NTSB’s recommendations.

Evan Grimm, a bridge and structural engineer from Washington State, echoed Bottenberg’s sentiments about safety. Since the Baltimore incident, their teams have intensified bridge inspections, emphasizing their commitment to safety.

It’s important to note that the NTSB’s recommendations are preventive. They do not imply an imminent risk of collapse but rather highlight the need for thorough assessments. The report calls for collaboration among federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that bridge safety is a top priority.

The conversations about bridge safety resonate with a broader trend in the U.S. where infrastructure maintenance has gained increased attention. According to a recent survey by the American Society of Civil Engineers, about 43% of America’s bridges are over 50 years old. This underscores the critical need for regular assessments and updates to ensure public safety as we navigate modern transportation demands.

As discussions progress, it’s clear that proactive measures will be key in preventing future tragedies, not just for the Astoria-Megler and St. Johns bridges, but for infrastructure across the country.



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Infrastructure | Bridges | Bridge