Justice Department Sues Over Baltimore Bridge Collapse, Seeks $100 Million in Cleanup Costs

Background on the Bridge Collapse

On August 10, 2023, a section of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed, causing eight deaths and several injuries. The bridge, which carries Interstate 95 over the Patapsco River, had been under repair for several years.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the collapse was caused by a combination of factors, including structural deficiencies, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of proper inspections. The NTSB report also found that the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) was aware of the bridge's structural problems but failed to take adequate action to address them.

Department of Justice Lawsuit

On March 29, 2024, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against MDOT, seeking $100 million in cleanup costs and damages. The lawsuit alleges that MDOT was negligent in its maintenance of the bridge and that its failure to take proper action to address the bridge's structural problems led to the collapse.

The lawsuit also alleges that MDOT violated the Clean Water Act by failing to properly clean up the debris from the collapse. The debris has caused environmental damage to the Patapsco River and has posed a hazard to navigation.

MDOT Response

MDOT has denied the allegations in the lawsuit. The agency has stated that it properly maintained the bridge and that it took all necessary steps to address the bridge's structural problems.

MDOT has also stated that it is committed to cleaning up the debris from the collapse and that it will take all necessary steps to protect the environment.

Legal Implications

The Justice Department's lawsuit is a significant development in the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse. The lawsuit could result in MDOT being held liable for the collapse and for the environmental damage caused by the debris.

The lawsuit could also lead to changes in the way that bridges are inspected and maintained. The NTSB report on the collapse found that MDOT did not follow proper inspection procedures and that it failed to take adequate action to address the bridge's structural problems. The lawsuit could lead to new regulations that require bridge owners to conduct more frequent inspections and to take more aggressive action to address structural problems.

Conclusion

The Justice Department's lawsuit over the Baltimore bridge collapse is a reminder of the importance of bridge safety. The lawsuit could lead to changes in the way that bridges are inspected and maintained, and it could also result in MDOT being held liable for the collapse and for the environmental damage caused by the debris.