Mayor Deegan released the following statement in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore after it was struck by a container ship.
“We are saddened by the situation in Baltimore and are praying for their community. I have been in contact with JAXPORT CEO Eric Green to discuss the maritime impacts as they continue to evolve.
Undoubtedly, people are wondering about the safeguards in place to protect our infrastructure here in Jacksonville. The Dames Point Bridge, the only bridge that cargo ships calling on JAXPORT sail under, has hard infrastructure (large concrete structures called “dolphins”) in place to protect the base of the bridge piers from any vessel impacts. Additionally, specialty sensors (called Air Gap sensors) are located on the bridge to provide real-time information on the distance between the water surface and the bottom of the bridge structure over the main channel.
The City of Jacksonville and our partner agencies always stand ready to help our sister communities during their time of need. Our City and port community stands with the people of Baltimore.”