NYC's Iconic Bridges Under Scrutiny: NTSB Demands Vulnerability Assessments
Nbc New York2 weeks ago
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NYC's Iconic Bridges Under Scrutiny: NTSB Demands Vulnerability Assessments

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Summary:

  • The NTSB recommends vulnerability assessments for 15 NY and NJ bridges after the Baltimore bridge collapse.

  • NYC's iconic bridges like the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges are included.

  • The assessments aim to determine the risk of collapse from vessel collisions, not to imply imminent danger.

  • The NTSB cites the failure of Maryland authorities to assess the Baltimore bridge's vulnerability as a preventable cause of the collapse.

  • The MTA claims routine inspections, while the NYC DOT is reviewing the NTSB's request.

NYC Bridges Face Safety Review

Following the collapse of Baltimore's Scott Key Bridge, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending vulnerability assessments for 15 New York and New Jersey bridges. This isn't to say these bridges are in imminent danger, but rather that their risk of collapse from vessel collisions is unknown.

<img src="https://media.nbcnewyork.com/2019/09/NYC_aerial-1-1.png?fit=2060%2C847&amp;quality=85&amp;strip=all&amp;w=400&amp;h=44&amp;crop=1" alt="Aerial view of NYC bridges">

The NTSB emphasizes the need for bridge owners to understand and address these risks, particularly after their investigation revealed that Maryland authorities failed to conduct a proper assessment on the Key Bridge before its collapse. This failure, according to safety officials, is deemed preventable.

Affected NYC Bridges

Among the NYC bridges requiring assessment are some iconic spans:

  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Manhattan Bridge
  • Williamsburg Bridge
  • Verrazano Narrows Bridge (eastbound and westbound)
  • Newburgh-Beacon Bridge (eastbound and westbound)
  • Rip Van Winkle Bridge
  • Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Outerbridge Crossing Bridge
  • Seaway International Bridge
  • Thousand Islands Bridge

Seven of these bridges are classified as "Critical/Essential," with one predating the 20th century.

While the MTA assures that its bridges undergo routine inspections, the NYC Department of Transportation is reviewing the NTSB's request, noting that many of the East River bridges don't accommodate large vessels.

The NTSB's broader recommendation includes 68 bridges nationwide, built before 1991 and frequently used by vessels.

This proactive safety measure aims to prevent future tragedies by understanding and mitigating potential risks.

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