A large portion of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship early Tuesday morning.
While rescue workers continue to search for victims who fell into the water below, officials are already preparing for a substantial impact on travel.
How the Key Bridge Collapse Impacts Cruise Travel
Vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice, the port confirmed on Tuesday.
The cruise industry has expressed sorrow and continues to monitor the situation.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted," Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement to USA Today.
"We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation."
According to CLIA, the Port of Baltimore's 2024 calendar includes at least 12 ships making 115 stops in Charm City.
Both Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have sailings out of the port this spring. Carnival revealed it will move Carnival Legend's operations to Norfolk, Virginia for the time being.
"We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told USA Today.
American Cruise Lines, which has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled for May, told the news outlet that it "will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway."
How the Key Bridge Collapse Impacts Road Travel
While the impact on cruising remains to be seen, road traffic is already being impacted.
Drivers passing through Baltimore are now limited to the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) as well as the western section of I-695 around the two tunnels and the collapsed bridge.
The four-lane span of I-695, also known as the Baltimore Beltway, carried about 31,000 people per day and as many as 11 million each year.
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