What to know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge
- The Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in March 1977
- Spanned 1.6 miles across Patapsco River, built to ease traffic congestion
- A cargo ship crashed into a support, causing a total collapse of the bridge
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BALTIMORE (NewsNation) — The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in the early morning hours Tuesday after a container ship rammed into one of its supports. The collision caused the roadway to break apart in several places and plunge into the water.
The bridge, which spans 1.6 miles across the Patapsco River, opened in March 1977 and served as a major connecting point for the Charm City. It was the final link for the Baltimore Beltway (Interstate 695), according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
The Patapsco River remains one of the most vital means for shipping on the East Coast. It’s also where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was born, inspiring Francis Scott Key — whom the bridge is named after — to compose the U.S. national anthem in 1814.
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority) 
Francis Scott Key Bridge Construction (Credit: Maryland Transportation Authority)
“Scholars believe the span crosses within 100 yards of the site where Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry on the evening of Sept. 12, 1814,” according to the MDTA.
City officials and contractors began proposing plans for the bridge in 1969, the MDTA states. It was built to alleviate traffic congestion and delays at the Harbor Tunnel, according to the MDTA 2023 report.
It became the outmost crossing of three major bridges of the Baltimore Harbor.
Construction for the four-lane bridge began in 1972 and was completed about five years later, costing the city $141 million — equivalent to roughly $735 million today, according to the New York Times. At the time of its opening, tolls cost 75 cents to cross, an original report from the NYT in 1977 said.
The New York Times also reported that the bridge has undergone several renovations over the years, including a $14 million project in 1986.
The latest data from the Maryland state government report revealed more than 12.4 million vehicles crossed the bridge in 2023.
Authorities said Tuesday that construction work was being done on the bridge at the time of the collapse. The project, which included subgrade improvements to the bridge including drainage repairs and replacement, began in January 2024, according to the MDTA report. Additional construction for bridge improvements was slated to begin in the spring of 2025.
