Maryland Injury Attorney Blog
The cargo ship accident that caused the partial collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) into the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland on March 26, 2024 resulted in the tragic deaths of six road construction workers. This catastrophe left our nation in shock and our communities heartbroken for the men who lost their lives, as well as their grieving families.
In the year and months since the Key Bridge disaster, commuters driving through the Baltimore Metro Region have grappled with some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation. According to media reports citing Census Bureau data, Maryland overall now ranks as having the second-worst commuter times in the country. Patience is thin as drivers rerouted around the bridge are spending exponentially increased time on their daily work commutes; headaches shared by others simply trying to get to and from where they need to go.
The worry of traffic accidents also increases as congestion can be a factor contributing to motor vehicle accidents — from rear-end collisions where cars are following each other too closely, to more serious, road-rage fueled crashes as frustrated drivers stuck in traffic try to change lanes and get ahead of the mess.
Media sources report that according to the Maryland State Highway Administration, “the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse […] diverted more than 30,000 vehicles per day – including many commercial trucks – onto Interstate 95, I-895 and I-695.”
Maryland’s traffic congestion woes began even before the Key Bridge tragedy. According to media sources citing Census Bureau data, “Maryland’s average one-way commute reached 31.5 minutes in 2023, the second longest in the U.S.” Traffic experts theorize that the return to work following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the increased traffic congestion. These existing problems have since been compounded by the Key Bridge collapse.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) recently posted a video (see link below under “Sources”) updating the community on progress on the Key Bridge rebuilding efforts; the project is slated for completion by 2030. In the meantime, Baltimore area commuters and residents trying to get from Point A to Point B — be that work, shopping, family, wherever they need to be — will continue to seek out alternate routes — and deal with stalled traffic patterns.
In addition, the MDTA has announced plans to build a new Chesapeake Bay Bridge — the first such improvements in decades. News reports state construction could begin in 2032, so changes won’t be felt right away. Perhaps by then the Key Bridge will have been repaired and frustrated commuters will get some relief.
As experienced Baltimore, Maryland traffic accident lawyers — we’ve seen how motor vehicle crashes change lives in an instant. Take it slow out there (we know, Baltimore drivers may have little choice!) and please drive defensively.
Sources:
MD has the second highest commute time in US, survey finds
The Daily Record, Capital News Service Dec. 1, 2025
Key Bridge Rebuild — Community Update
Maryland Transportation Authority, Collected online Dec. 18, 2025
Maryland Transportation Authority approves plan to replace Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Fox45News Baltimore Dec. 18. 2025