US Army Corps Of Engineers Deploys Over 1,100 Troops To Assist Baltimore Bridge Recovery

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has dispatched approximately 1,100 troops to assist with the recovery work following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.

The bridge collapsed early on March 26, 2024, when it was struck by the Dali, a cargo ship operated by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. Many automobiles and construction workers fell into the Patapsco River beneath.

The activation of the USACE Baltimore District’s Emergency Operations Center has enabled the deployment of engineering, construction, contracting, and operations personnel to assist local, state, and federal authorities in clearing the fallen bridge.

The collapse is expected to have serious economic consequences for Baltimore, a large port city where the bridge facilitates product imports and exports.

President Biden has promised government funding to support port reconstruction as part of the response operations. Meanwhile, vessel movement into and out of the port has been suspended, but the facility is still open to trucks.

The USACE is aggressively cleaning debris from the river using specialised vessels, including the removal vessel Reynolds and the survey vessel Catlett.

The U.S. Coast Guard oversees the accident investigation and pollution response and assisted with search-and-rescue efforts immediately following the collapse.

The USACE’s response comprises various skills, such as certified underwater evaluation, structural engineering support, and waterway debris management. These initiatives aim to protect critical infrastructure and waterways in and around Baltimore.

Reference: USACE

US Army Corps Of Engineers Deploys Over 1,100 Troops To Assist Baltimore Bridge Recovery appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News