Experts available: Collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge

Virginia Tech has the following experts available for interviews to discuss topics surrounding the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. To schedule an interview with any of our experts, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.

Bridge infrastructure and safety: Roberto Leon

Questions are being raised concerning U.S. infrastructure in the aftermath of the bridge collapse in Baltimore. Virginia Tech structural engineering expert Roberto Leon said that, given the ship’s weight, it struck the bridge’s support with significant force. “The post cannot absorb anywhere near the energy this massive ship brings, so it’s inevitable that it will break as it bends,” said Leon. “If a pier that has inadequate protection is hit by a ship that size, there is very little that can be done.” Leon said there are many lessons that can be learned from this disaster. “It’s our job to make the necessary changes to keep this from happening again.” Leon believes that bridge cameras and sensors are crucial in helping to track when a cargo ship heads off course. Leon has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, CNN, Fox LiveNOW, NPR, Washington Post, the Associated Press and more. 

Cargo ship functions and safety systems: Stefano Brizzolara

It has been reported that the massive cargo ship lost power, leading to it hitting the bridge’s pier. Virginia Tech ocean engineering expert Stefano Brizzolara can speak to how a ship this size maneuvers at a low speed, ship safety systems, and the frequency of accidents similar to this one. He has been featured on CBS News, the Associated Press, New York Post, and more.

Supply chain impact: Jason Grant

Serving as an economic gateway to the port of Baltimore, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will have major long-term impacts on the global supply chain. Jason Grant, professor of agricultural and applied economics and director of the Center for Agricultural Trade in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, is available to discuss how this economic disruption on the East Coast will impact the transportation of consumer goods and global supply.  

Economic impact: David Bieri

David Bieri in the School of Public and International Affairs can address the impact of the bridge collapse on the national supply chain and the infrastructure problems it highlights, as well as other economic issues. “The port of Baltimore is an important economic development engine for the region and any disruption to its operation will, given its size, be felt on the Eastern seaboard beyond Maryland,” Bieri says. “The catastrophic collapse of the bridge also highlights the substandard conditions that much of our key infrastructure finds itself in, particularly in distressed large urban areas. Federal infrastructure programs have had a difficult stand in the tight fiscal conditions post pandemic.”

Regional transportation infrastructure: Ralph Buehler

Losing a main thoroughfare and one of the only crossings over the Patapsco River will have major regional transportation impacts. Ralph Buehler, an associate professor of urban affairs and planning at Virginia Tech in the D.C. metro area, says that “the regional transport system does not have a lot of redundancy when it comes to passenger transport.” He expects increased traffic on I-95 and I-895 through Baltimore, and encourages those able to avoid rush hour or driving at all to use other modes of transit or work from home. Ultimately, though, he says “we need a transport system with more options to be more resilient to disruptions.”