When the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, after the container ship MV Dali lost power and struck the southwest supporting pier of the main truss, it triggered an instant crisis across the entire Baltimore metro area and beyond. In such situations, the role of geospatial data and collaboration between agencies has never been more critical. The integration of technologies like aerial imagery and LiDAR is transforming how recovery efforts unfold, providing decision-makers with real-time, detailed insights essential for immediate response and long-term rebuilding.
In the wake of the collapse, agencies like the Maryland State Highway Administration (MD SHA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers quickly mobilized to assess the damage and begin the recovery process. While these agencies relied on traditional methods like sonar mapping, SAM’s contribution was critical. Justin Lahman, Director of Aerial - GIS for SAM’s Northeast Region, took swift action. As a resident of Easton, Maryland, Lahman understood the urgency and quickly contacted his local acquisition group to inquire about flight restrictions and ceiling limits for aerial imagery. Monitoring weather and air traffic conditions, Lahman organized a flight to capture essential imagery of the collapse site. Within 12 hours, SAM had aircraft in the air, capturing high-resolution imagery using the RIEGL VQ1560iiS LiDAR system coupled with a 4-band, PhaseOne iXM-RS150F digital camera. The data collected, which included one to two miles of each approach to the structure, offered invaluable perspective and complemented the traditional assessments conducted by agencies.
SAM’s quick response extended beyond just data collection. Lahman immediately reached out to MD SHA, informing them of the available geospatial data for prompt review and offering full support for the recovery process. His direct collaboration with MDTA, MPA, and the Army Corps of Engineers ensured that recovery efforts were informed by real-time, accurate data, improving efficiency and accelerating decision-making. Within hours of the initial data collection, Lahman also contacted his established network within the Baltimore District Army Corps of Engineers, who were leading the first round of damage assessments. While the Corps used sonar equipment for initial mapping, SAM’s aerial imagery and LiDAR technology complemented their findings, offering a new perspective and critical details that ground-level assessments might have missed. This seamless collaboration demonstrated how SAM’s timely data enhanced traditional methods, with SAM’s imagery even being used in press conferences to communicate the scope of the damage to the public. The speed and value of SAM’s data not only showcased its ability to deliver vital information in real-time but also underscored its capacity to integrate into large-scale recovery efforts.
To ensure SAM’s response was coordinated and aligned with the efforts of all involved parties, Lahman brought together a team of SAM subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop a public relations strategy that communicated SAM’s role in the recovery. This team included Mike Rice, Vice President and SUE Operations manager, an expert in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), and Allan Blades, Vice President, who provided insights into federal involvement in the rebuilding effort. Lahman acted as a liaison, ensuring that all parties involved in the recovery were kept informed about SAM’s contributions and readiness to assist.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge had been a crucial route for many residents and businesses. Spanning the Patapsco River, the bridge was an essential transportation corridor connecting north and south Baltimore and served approximately 30,000 commuters each day. The average commuter time across the bridge was between 30 to 40 minutes. Since the structure’s collapse, commuters are now forced to take alternate routes, significantly adding layers of complexity to the region’s already congested roads.
The bridge was not just a commuter route; it was a lifeline for the entire infrastructure of the city, impacting logistics, trade, and daily mobility for the entire region. The collapse has also disrupted the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the United States. With the bridge down, the flow of goods and services from the port to the rest of the metro area is severely delayed, adding even more strain on the regional economy.
Once Kiewit was selected for the design and reconstruction, they extended an invitation for SAM to participate in the project. Lahman explained, "When Kiewit reached out to us, it confirmed that our expertise and our quick response were essential to the success of the recovery. It wasn’t just about providing data—it was about building trust with those who were tasked with restoring a vital part of the infrastructure."
SAM’s strategic response in the face of crisis helped address immediate challenges following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Its quick action in gathering data, providing real-time information, and facilitating communication between agencies was instrumental in the recovery process. As the reconstruction effort progresses, SAM will continue to play a critical role in restoring the bridge and ensuring the long-term resilience of the region’s infrastructure.
SAM’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in the face of crisis exemplifies the company’s ability to respond quickly, adapt to emergencies, and make a lasting impact on infrastructure recovery. As the Francis Scott Key Bridge begins its rebuild, SAM will be there, providing the expertise, data, and strategic insights necessary to restore one of the region’s most vital pieces of infrastructure.