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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for a vulnerability assessment of two Hudson Valley bridges, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, due to concerns about their potential collapse if struck by a large vessel. This recommendation comes as part of the NTSB's ongoing investigation into last year's collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which fell after being hit by a cargo ship.
The NTSB identified 11 bridges in New York, including these two, that lack current vulnerability assessments. The agency's report highlights that these bridges, along with others across 19 states, were designed before the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) established guidelines for such assessments. The NTSB urges bridge owners to evaluate their structures using AASHTO’s Method II calculation to determine if they exceed the acceptable risk level for collapse. If a bridge is found to be at risk, owners should develop and implement a comprehensive risk reduction plan.
The New York State Bridge Authority, responsible for overseeing five bridges in the Hudson Valley, acknowledged receiving the NTSB’s letter and is reviewing the request. The NTSB's recommendations follow the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which occurred after the cargo vessel Dali lost power and struck the bridge's support pier, resulting in six fatalities. The agency emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent similar disasters and protect public safety.