Updates Regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore, MD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Francis Scott Key Bridge News and Updates

At approximately 1:30 a.m. ET on March 26, 2024, a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore, MD struck the (I-695) Francis Scott Key Bridge. This caused a collapse of the bridge. Please continue to check this page regularly for related updates affecting commercial motor vehicles, including traffic alerts and emergency declarations.

Transportation Routing for Commercial Motor Vehicles

The Maryland Transportation Department has the most up-to-date traffic alerts and information regarding transportation routes and detours in and around Baltimore, MD. If you are traveling through Virginia, please visit the Virginia Department of Transportation website for updates.

Transportation Routing for Commercial Motor Vehicles - Hazardous Materials

The Maryland Transportation Department has the most up-to-date traffic alerts and information regarding transportation routes and detours for commercial motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials in and around Baltimore, MD.If you are traveling through Virginia, please visit the the Virginia Department of Transportation website for updates.

Port of Baltimore

As of March 28, 2024, the Port of Baltimore remains open for truck transactions. Vessel (waterway) traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice.

Emergency Declarations

March 26, 2024: Maryland Executive Order 01.01.2024.09 (expires April 8, 2024)

Social Media

• twitter.com/TheMDTA
• twitter.com/MDOTNews
• twitter.com/vadot

Frequently Asked Questions

1. The state of Maryland issued an Emergency Declaration on March 26, 2024, as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. Does this declaration affect me as a commercial motor vehicle driver?
   
   The emergency declaration issued by Governor Moore automatically triggered emergency relief from Federal hours-of-service requirements in 49 CFR §§ 395.3 and 395.5 for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts due to the bridge collapse. Direct assistance includes transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or driver related to the immediate restoration of essential services or essential supplies. Examples of direct assistance include transportation of heavy equipment and personnel into the area and removal of debris to assist state and local emergency efforts reopen the Port of Baltimore and the waterway impacted by the bridge collapse.
   
2. Does the emergency relief from Federal hours-of-service regulations due to the state of Maryland's Emergency Declaration apply to motor carriers and commercial motor vehicle drivers who are NOT directly supporting emergency response efforts but whose operations have been impacted by the bridge collapse?
   
   No. The relief from Federal hours-of-service regulations does not apply to motor carriers and drivers who are not providing direct assistance to emergency response efforts.
   
   The state emergency declaration does not trigger emergency regulatory relief from Federal regulations for motor carriers and drivers whose motor carrier operations are impacted by rerouting or delays due to the unavailability of the Francis Scott Key Bridge or the partial shutdown of the Port of Baltimore.
   
3. Does the emergency relief from Federal regulations provide commercial vehicle drivers with relief from Federal hours-of-service requirements?
   
   Yes. The state emergency declaration automatically triggered relief from 49 CFR §§ 395.3 and 395.5 for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supplementing state and local emergency response efforts and capabilities.
   
4. Does emergency relief from Federal regulations due to the state of Maryland's Emergency Declaration provide commercial vehicle drivers with relief from electronic logging device (ELD) requirements?
   
   No. The state emergency declaration does not result in relief from Federal ELD requirements.
   
5. How long will the relief from Federal hours-of-service regulations be in effect?
   
   The relief from 49 CFR §§ 395.3 and 395.5 is limited to the period of the emergency up to a maximum period of 14 days from the date of the initial declaration of emergency. The relief from Federal hours-of-service regulations (for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts due to the bridge collapse) is effective from March 26, 2024, until the end of the emergency or April 8, 2024, whichever is earlier. (as of March 28, 2024)
   
6. Can FMCSA extend the emergency relief from Federal regulations beyond the 14-day limit?
   
   Yes. FMCSA may extend the period of regulatory relief. Interested parties, including the state, motor carriers, and drivers, may request an extension by explaining why the extension is needed in an email to FMCSA's emergency declarations mailbox at [email protected].
   
7. Are there any options for motor carriers and drivers whose operations have been impacted by the bridge collapse to request regulatory relief from Federal hours-of-service regulations?
   
   Yes. Motor carriers and drivers may request a waiver or exemption from certain Federal motor carrier regulations, such as the Federal hours-of-service regulations and electronic logging device requirements.
   
   The procedure for requesting waivers and exemptions can be found in Subpart B of 49 CFR Part 381. Waivers are limited in duration to three months. Exemptions may be issued for up to five years.
   
   The request must be sent to the Acting Deputy Administrator via email to [email protected] or by traditional mail to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Requests should include information such as why the waiver or exemption is needed, how many drivers or vehicles will be operating under the waiver or exemption, and an explanation of how you will ensure the equivalent level of safety is met as provided by complying with the existing regulations. Please refer to the regulation for specific requirements.
   
8. Are there specific routes in place for the transportation of hazardous materials and restricted loads?
   
   Yes. Please visit the Maryland Transportation Department website for guidance.
   If your route takes you through Virginia, you may wish to visitVirginia Department of Transportation.
   
9. I'm scheduled to transport a very wide load; how will I be impacted?
   
   Please visit the Maryland Transportation Department website for height and width restrictions for the Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry Tunnels as well as other roadways. If your route takes you through Virginia, you may wish to verify height and width restrictions for Virginia roadways by visiting the Virginia Department of Transportation.
   
10. Where can I find general information for commercial motor vehicle routing and detours?
    
    Please visit the Maryland Transportation Department for up-to-date information regarding traffic alerts and routing information. You can also follow the agency on social media at twitter.com/TheMDTA and twitter.com/MDOTNews. If you are traveling through Virginia, you may wish to follow the Virginia Department of Transportation at twitter.com/vadot.