NTSB calls for urgent safety assessments of 68 US bridges

WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday called for the owners of 30 owners of 68 bridges in 19 states to perform vulnerability assessments to determine the risk of catastrophic collapse from a vessel collision.

The NTSB is making the recommendation after the March 2024 collapse of the Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March after it was struck by a cargo ship, killing six people. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy wants bridge owners to "determine whether they need to implement countermeasures to reduce vulnerability, report their findings to the NTSB, and if warranted, implement a comprehensive risk reduction plan."