Officials warn of major interstate delays due to Baltimore bridge collapse

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning is expected to continue to affect road travel, especially ahead of local schools’ Spring break next week.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that took place on Tuesday, March 26 has shut down major roadways, which will greatly affect road travel in and out of Maryland.

Six people are still missing and presumed dead because of the bridge collapse, which was triggered by a boat losing power and hitting a support beam.

According to the Maryland Transportation Authority, upwards of 30,000 vehicles drove on the bridge every day.

As the bridge is now closed and the state works on next steps, Maryland drivers now have to use different routes and share the road with people traveling through the state to get somewhere else.

Those planning to travel north during spring break, should expect to see considerable traffic on major roads, such as Interstates 95 and 895.

A spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic said drivers should plan their trips ahead and try to drive during off-peak hours in order to avoid traffic as much as possible.

AAA also said drivers can travel west to go around crowded roads, through roadways such as I-81. Although it might take longer, drivers could possibly avoid sitting in hours of traffic using these routes.

Drivers are also advised to make sure their gas tank is full enough to get through potential hours of traffic, or explore different forms of transportation, such as taking an Amtrak or a plane.

People can expect changes like these for the foreseeable future, as bridge cleanup and repair is expected to take a while.

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