Trucking Costs Could Rise $93M Per Year During Bridge Repair

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024 has introduced significant challenges for the mid-Atlantic trucking industry, with costs projected to increase by $92.8 million annually during its repair. Researchers from the University of Maryland and Morgan State University estimate the total operating costs for carriers will reach $446 million by the time the bridge reopens in 2028. This financial burden reflects the ripple effects of increased travel times and restricted freight routes across the Baltimore region.

The Collapse and Its Immediate Impact

The bridge was rendered inoperable following a collision between the MV Dali 3 containership and one of its support pillars. This diverted traffic onto alternative routes, causing substantial delays for carriers and drayage companies serving the Port of Baltimore. Although the port resumed operations in June, the absence of the bridge has forced trucks to navigate longer, less efficient detours, intensifying congestion and driving up operational costs.

Increased Travel Times and Route Adjustments

The study focused on medium-duty trucks (14,001 to 26,000 pounds) and heavy-duty trucks (over 26,000 pounds), analyzing travel data from over 2 million truck trajectories. Findings revealed:

• Travel Time Increases: Heavy-duty trucks experienced a 19.18% rise in travel times using the Fort McHenry Tunnel and I-95, while medium-duty trucks saw a 14.18% increase. On western I-695 detours, heavy-duty trucks faced a staggering 36.46% increase, and medium-duty trucks saw travel times jump by 58%.
• Traffic Redistribution: Truck volumes on certain routes spiked. For instance, Class 7 and 8 trucks using the Fort McHenry Tunnel rose from 22.99% to 54.28% of total trips, while medium-duty trucks increased from 6.46% to 24.73%.

Restrictions in the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel compounded the situation, as heavy-duty trucks carrying hazardous materials or exceeding size limits were forced onto less direct routes.

Freight Declines at the Port of Baltimore

The bridge closure also disrupted freight throughput at the Port of Baltimore. Container volumes dropped from 624,526 tons in March to 526,700 tons in October, highlighting the cascading effects on the trucking and logistics sectors. Reduced freight flow means fewer shipments, further tightening margins for carriers.

Study Details and Regional Implications

The analysis, conducted by a team of university researchers, used data from the Regional 3 Integrated Transportation Information System to model the impact on the region’s transportation network. Their findings underscore the long-term challenges for carriers operating in the area:

• The increased costs are driven by 1.1 million additional truck hours annually for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Baltimore’s key transportation arteries, already strained, face heightened congestion as diverted trucks crowd alternative routes.

Looking Ahead

The findings paint a complex picture of the mid-Atlantic’s freight landscape, highlighting the need for proactive infrastructure solutions to mitigate the effects of prolonged disruptions. With freight carriers absorbing millions in additional costs, the trucking industry faces a challenging road ahead during the bridge’s reconstruction. The study offers critical insights into the economic impact of infrastructure failures and underscores the urgency of coordinated regional planning to ensure resilience in critical freight corridors.

Source:

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