Category: Bridges

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Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Collapse

A tragic ship collision caused the Key Bridge to collapse like a house of cards on March 26, 2024.

In the wee hours of a cold March morning, a large freighter, the Dali, lost power and steerage control and collided with a major support of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The collision occurred at 1:28 AM and caused the main supporting structure to fail and the bridge spans to, literally, fall apart.

Imagine the chaos that ensued when a massive freighter collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing sections to collapse into the Patapsco River below. The sheer force of impact from the container ship left onlookers stunned and authorities scrambling to respond to this unprecedented disaster. As emergency crews rushed to the scene, questions arose about how such a catastrophe could have occurred in one of the busiest waterways in Maryland. This disaster effectively closed the (very busy) Port of Baltimore for an indeterminant length of time.

Francis Scott Key Bridge as seen from the sea wall at Fort McHenry
Francis Scott Key Bridge as seen from the sea wall at Fort McHenry in 2017, 40 years after it opened.

The Key Bridge was opened for use in 1977. This author can remember watching the construction process for the years before the opening. The full name is, of course, derived from the lawyer, Francis Scott Key, who penned the words to our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.

FSK Bridge as seen from Fort McHenry
FSK Bridge as seen from Fort McHenry, about four miles to the west.

In conclusion

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore sent shockwaves through the city as the iconic structure crumbled into the Patapsco River. The aftermath of the bridge collapse revealed a startling vulnerability in our infrastructure and raised concerns about the safety of maritime navigation through this vital transportation corridor at the state and national levels. Investigations underway and repair efforts are already being planned. One can’t help but wonder about the long-term implications of this incident on shipping traffic and regional economy. As we await updates on this developing story, it’s clear that lessons must be learned from this tragic event to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Francis Scott Key Bridge after the collapse
Francis Scott Key Bridge the day after the collapse – Photo by Arthur Swartwout.

For many, this catastrophic event raised questions about infrastructure resilience and safety in a rapidly changing world. In moments like these, we are reminded that even our most trusted landmarks are vulnerable to unexpected challenges and that vigilance and care must be paramount in safeguarding our communities from potential disaster.

Francis Scott Key Bridge from the Rodman Cannons at Fort McHenry
Francis Scott Key Bridge from the Rodman Cannons at Fort McHenry

Visit www.FSKBridge.com for more photos of the Key Bridge as it used to be.

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Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Delmarva

Historic Train bridge over the river at Tuckahoe River State Park in Queen Anne, MD

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go in a make-believe train at the Tuckahoe State Park. The bridge has been out of service for many, many years but still stands over the Tuckahoe River along Route 404 in the center of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

tuckahoe river railroad bridge in the fall
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall.
tuckahoe river railroad bridge as seen from route 404
Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge as see from a car driving past on Route 404 – getting to see this for a fraction of a second.

The Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in Queen Anne, MD is a beautiful and important landmark that has been part of the community for over 100 years. Located near the intersection of Route 404 and Route 50, this bridge is an integral part of the local history. Built in 1909, the Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering genius of its creators. Tucked away in the woods and now partially overgrown, this bridge is quite hard to find. It was originally built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and is a one-lane concrete and steel structure that spans the Tuckahoe River. Its overall length is over 100 feet and it stands 26 feet tall. The bridge is located at the southern border of the Tuckahoe River State Park and is “briefly” visible to vehicles passing by on Maryland Route 404 near Queen Anne, Maryland.

“Tuckahoe State Park is a public recreation area located along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, United States. Adkins Arboretum, a garden and preserve maintaining over 600 native plant species, occupies 500 acres of the park.” (from :Wikipedia)

The above photograph was taken in 2014 and has been a popular image of Bill Swartwout Photography’s online gallery. So, of course prints are available along with a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Tuckahoe River Railroad Bridge in the Fall

Link to: other images of the Tuckahoe River Bridge

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery.

Link to: Railroad Bridge at Tuckahoe State Park (below)

A kayaker on the Tuckahoe River near the old railroad bridge.
A kayaker on the Tuckahoe River can get an outstanding view of the old railroad bridge. (Photo in mid-January, 2023)
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Calendars for the New Year

Created with Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography

October, November and December are the months for calendars – plan for 2023. #ShopEarly #BuyIntoArt
Assateague Ponies, Ocean City, Indian River Bridge and Fire Control Towers are what I have created from my photographs and offer for sale at the amazing “Zazzle.” Click the image or the link below the image to browse of shop…

Calendars for the New Year
Calendars for the New Year

Link to browse or shop: https://www.zazzle.com/mbr/238675969062853179?rf=238675969062853179

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Indian River Bridge at Twilight Panorama

Four styles of this popular photograph are now available in a 2:1 panorama ratio.

I’ve had requests for a more-panorama-shape of one of my most popular photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. So I made a “regular” Panorama (2:1 ratio) and three additional presentations. Might you be interested in any of these please let me know. If so, which one? Leave a response in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Indian River Bridge Panorama Photograph Assortment
Indian River Inlet Bridge at Twilight Panorama Photograph in Four Presentations.

The Charles W. Cullen Bridge is the official name of this beautiful example of cable-stayed suspension bridge architecture. The Indian River Inlet Bridge carries coastal traffic on Route 1 across the Indian River Inlet just north of Bethany Beach Delaware.

This beautiful structure is sight to behold at any time of day or night. However, twilight, the transition between day and night, brings out the spectacular color of the bridge, the water and the sky – all in shades of blue – at this magical time.

The Indian River inlet joins the Rehoboth Bay and the Indian River Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. The Indian River Bridge over the inlet allows traffic to flow north and south along “Coastal Highway” (Route 1), connecting several beach resort towns from Ocean City in Maryland to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes in Delaware.

The Delaware Seashore State Park facilities on both the north and south sides of the Indian River Inlet and along the shore of the Indian River Bay attract thousands or people, who can enjoy sights like this, all year ’round. The area, just north of Bethany Beach, DE boasts campgrounds, a large marina, fishing and, of course, a well-maintained and guarded (in season) beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection
The original “best selling” print: Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection

Charles W. Cullen Bridge – Dedicated 2012

Indian River Bridge Dedication Plaque
Dedication Plaque on the Indian River Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

This bridge is named in honor and remembrance of Charles West Cullen, 1865-1948, a man who dedicated his life to public service and the the citizens of Delaware. Between 1930 and 1940, he served on the State Highway Commission, eventually being elevated to Chairman of the Commission from 1938-1939. While he was Chairman, work was started on a new bridge to span the Indian River Inlet. In recognition for his service on the Commission, the bridge was dedicated on May 18, 1940, in his name for his advocacy for the proper opening of the inlet and the internal development of the Indian River. Two additional bridges bearing his name have spanned the inlet since that time. This, the fifth bridge to span the inlet waterway, is was also dedicated in his name. (Paraphrased from the bridge dedication plaque.)

Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Inlet Bridge Collection, including the four panoramas above.

Link to: Panorama Wall Art Print

Link to: Simulated Charcoal Print

Link to: Dramatic Black & White Print

Link to: Abstract Expressionism Print

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Pixels/FineArtAmerica