NTSB Recommends Urgent Bridge Inspections Across the U.S.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended a nationwide review of bridge inspection reports and maintenance actions for bridges made of uncoated weathering steel. This recommendation comes in light of the ongoing investigation into the 2022 collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh. The 447-foot-long bridge experienced structural failure on January 28, 2022, falling approximately 100 feet and injuring four individuals.

NTSB investigators identified severe corrosion, deterioration, and section loss on all four legs of the bridge, exacerbated by blocked drainage systems that prevented the formation of a protective oxide coating. Prior inspections had noted drainage issues, but regular maintenance was not performed. Similar problems were found in other Pennsylvania bridges, prompting the NTSB to call for immediate action.

The NTSB has urged the Federal Highway Administration to develop a process for ensuring necessary follow-up actions on bridges with uncoated weathering steel components. Although the final investigation report is pending, the NTSB emphasized the urgent need for these measures to prevent future bridge failures. New documents, including a materials laboratory report and 3-D laser scans of the bridge’s deterioration, have been released on the NTSB’s website.