"America's Neglected Bridges: A Looming Crisis"

A recent collision involving a container ship and the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of America's aging bridges, with 1 in 13 bridges in poor condition and at risk of collapse from a single hit. Extreme weather events, heavier trucks, and collisions from larger ships pose significant risks to US bridges, highlighting the urgent need for improvements and protections to guard against potential disasters. The $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure law passed in 2021 could help address some of these issues, but more investment and proactive measures are needed to ensure the safety and resilience of the nation's bridge infrastructure.