Interstate 95 Bridge over Interstate 695 Deemed Structurally Sound

The oversized vehicle that over I-695 on the outer loop Monday afternoon was nearly three feet over the legal limit for oversized vehicles on roads, SHA officials said.

"It's amazing how many vehicles that don't have the proper permits are out there and traveling over height," SHA spokesman David Buck said Tuesday afternoon.

There have been several bridge strikes this year alone, including the bridge on Interstate 495, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and also on the Baltimore Beltway, officials said. Monday's incident also occurred near where a pedestrian-only bridge was struck in 1999. In that incident, the bridge collapsed, killing one person. The Maidens Choice overpass was not rebuilt after the incident.

The legal height for oversized vehicles is 13 feet 6 inches and all bridges in the state are between 15 and 16 feet in height. The bridge that was struck Monday has a clearance of 16 feet 2 inches, Buck said. Damage was also sustained to a sign, which sits higher on the bridge.

SHA engineers inspected the bridge overnight, performing tests to verify that the bridge was structurally sound. They found two end beams on the edge of the right shoulder were damaged, Buck said.

The beam on the very edge of the bridge will be replaced in the spring. The second beam was partially repaired last night. SHA crews will continue to evaluate the second beam for safety purposes, he said. If any further damage is noted, the beam will be replaced. The right shoulder on the bridge will remain closed, Buck said.

"[The damage] does not in any way, shape or form compromise the safety of the bridge," he said.

Maryland State Police said they are continuing to investigate and may file charges.

The piece of equipment that was over sized was an excavator that was being hauled from the highway construction site at Wilkens Avenue. It was being hauled by the Six M Company of Whiteford, MD, according to a press release.

According to the state police investigation, the equipment was not properly secured and the boom arm of the excavator was not lowered sufficiently.

When the crash occurred, another vehicle was damaged when a piece of the excavator broke off and struck the hood. Rufus Charles, 63, of Randallstown, driver of that vehicle, was not injured. 

To see video of crews working on the bridge Monday, go to this article from the Baltimore Sun.