The disastrous collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, early this morning has created nightmares for many. Included are RVers, for whom the bridge was the only practical route to cross the Patapsco River. Two vehicle tunnels also cross the river, but RVs carrying propane are prohibited. With the Key Bridge gone, how can RVers navigate Baltimore?
Distress call just before bridge hit
Sometime after 1 a.m., Baltimore time, a huge container ship flashed out a Mayday signal. Two commercial pilots with local knowledge were on board the Dali when the ship suddenly lost power. When the distress call was received, officials attempted to stop traffic going onto the bridge. At about 1:30 a.m., the Dali struck a bridge support, bringing a major section of the nearly 2-mile long bridge down. It appears a number of vehicles were dumped into the river, as were several members of a maintenance crew that was working on the bridge at the time.
With Key Bridge gone, how can RVers navigate Baltimore?
News reports indicate the loss of the Key Bridge will create disruptions to both vehicle and maritime traffic for months, if not years. Meanwhile, with the Key Bridge gone, how can RVers navigate Baltimore?
This morning, the Maryland Transportation Authority posted this advisory: “Harbor Crossings alt routes will be I-95 or I-895 tunnels. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials (includes propane over 10 lbs.) are prohibited in tunnels and should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels.”
The above map indicates both the now-collapsed Key Bridge, and the “RV no-go” tunnels. The arrows indicate the suggested “western section of I-695.” Depending on where your travels take you, it could be a very long detour.
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Wow! You all are on top of it to have this in the newsletter so fast.
Oh my! 🙂 Thank you for the NEWS, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I doubt that you could have been any more timely than if you’d seen the bridge section fall into the water. Great job! 🙂 We’ll be in that area soon, but in DC and south of there rather than DC and Baltimore. My, my, my. 🤔😯 Safe, non-Baltimore travels! 🙂
Oh my goodness! Thoughts and prayers to the workers and any others lost in the collapse diaster, as well as their families..🙏
From years of getting around Baltimore- “Balmore” as my mom use to say when visiting family- the western I 695 route can be an 8 lane parking lot. This is going to be a horrendous, long term PIA. You will need a lot of patience and a great sense of humor.
🙏🌞🤎