MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY’S STATEMENT ON NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

BALTIMORE, MD  (March 21, 2025) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is reviewing recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The MDTA maintains the catastrophe and the tragic loss of life was the sole fault of the DALI and the gross negligence of her owners and operators who put profits above safety.

As requested, the MDTA will provide an update to the NTSB within 30 days, which will include any action we intend to take based on our active evaluation of the pier protection systems, operational changes, and vessel transit procedures of the Bay Bridge. The evaluation is being conducted using American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials methodology and was underway when the NTSB requested its results last fall.

Over the past 50 years, hundreds of thousands of vessels transited under the Key Bridge without incident. The Key Bridge, like other bridges in America, was approved and permitted by the federal government and in compliance with those permits.

The safety of Maryland highways and bridges is always a top priority for MDTA; over the last ten years, the State of Maryland has spent more than $175 million on safety and security for the Bay Bridge alone. MDTA is committed to evaluating and implementing operational changes and vessel transit procedures for both the new Key Bridge and the Bay Bridge.