Philips ConnorIn the USA, several factors can make a bridge dangerous; some have rates of vehicular collisions, while others have high probability of collapse due to structural damage or wear and tear. Interestingly ship collisions are another factor that can make ships dangerous.
Ship collisions can cause sections of bridges to collapse instantly; submerging all vehicles on the bridges, and killing all those on board.
Although there is no extensive data on any of these factors, the article will be pieced together using what information can be found.
Most Dangerous Bridges In USA
1: Francis Scott Key Bridge – Baltimore, Maryland
On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after the container ship Dali lost propulsion and struck a support pier. The disaster resulted in the deaths of six maintenance workers and submerged at least seven vehicles. The collapse severely disrupted shipping at the Port of Baltimore for over two months.
2: Missouri River Bridge – Jefferson City, Missouri
On September 10, 2024, a four-vehicle collision occurred on the westbound lanes of the Missouri River Bridge. The crash involved a chain reaction of rear-end collisions, resulting in moderate injuries to one driver and significant traffic delays.
3: Picacho Road Bridge – Imperial County, California
In March 2025, the Picacho Road Bridge over the Yuma Main Canal was closed after a vehicle collided with its guardrail. Authorities initiated a structural assessment to determine necessary repairs before reopening the bridge.
4: Cape Fear Memorial Bridge – Wilmington, North Carolina
A six-vehicle crash occurred on September 7, 2023, when a pickup truck experienced brake failure and collided with multiple vehicles on the bridge. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant traffic disruptions.
5: Northport Bridge – Northport, Alabama
On July 16, 2024, a vehicle crashed into the concrete guardrails of a bridge near the Tuscaloosa National Airport, dislodging chunks of concrete onto the railroad tracks below. The bridge was closed for structural inspection following the incident.
6: Tennessee River Bridge – Decatur, Alabama
A two-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck occurred on December 19, 2024. One of the drivers, Gerald Herrin, succumbed to his injuries nine days later. The crash prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
7: Park Street Bridge – Syracuse, New York
On April 29, 2024, two separate incidents involving a truck and a tractor-trailer colliding with the Park Street Bridge occurred within a short time frame. Both drivers were cited, and inspections were conducted to assess any potential structural damage.
8: South Perry Street Bridge – Montgomery, Alabama
A fiery collision involving an 18-wheeler and three other vehicles on August 29, 2023, caused significant damage to the South Perry Street Bridge’s support columns. Emergency repairs allowed partial reopening, but the bridge remained closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic pending permanent fixes.
9: Interstate 24 near Ohio River Bridge – Paducah, Kentucky
On May 1, 2025, a four-vehicle crash occurred near the Ohio River Bridge on I-24, resulting in minor injuries to three individuals and substantial traffic delays in both directions.
10: Highway 6 Bridge – West of Trenton, Missouri
Icy conditions on December 4, 2024, led to a four-vehicle collision on a bridge west of Trenton. Two individuals sustained minor injuries, and all vehicles involved were towed from the scene.
11: West End Bridge – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A three-vehicle crash on March 2, 2024, resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The bridge was temporarily closed while authorities conducted an investigation into the incident.
12: Onondaga Lake Parkway Bridge – Liverpool, New York
This bridge has been the site of numerous collisions, particularly involving over-height vehicles. Notably, on May 6, 2025, a box truck struck the bridge, leading to the issuance of multiple traffic citations.
These incidents underscore the importance of infrastructure maintenance, adherence to traffic regulations, and the need for ongoing assessments to ensure the safety of bridges across the nation.
Notable U.S. Bridges with High Accident Rates or Structural Concerns
13: Onondaga Lake Parkway Bridge (Salina, NY)
This bridge has become infamous for frequent collisions with over-height vehicles due to its low clearance of 10 feet 9 inches. Its design and signage have led to numerous accidents, earning it nicknames like the “Undefeated Heavyweight Champion of Central New York.”
14: I-35W Mississippi River Bridge (Minneapolis, MN)
Collapsed in 2007 during rush hour, resulting in 13 deaths and 145 injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) attributed the collapse to a design flaw in the gusset plates.
15: Silver Bridge (Point Pleasant, WV – Gallipolis, OH)
Collapsed in 1967 due to a failure in a suspension chain, leading to 46 fatalities. The disaster prompted significant changes in bridge inspection protocols across the U.S.
16: Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore, MD)
Collapsed in March 2024 after being struck by a cargo ship, resulting in six deaths. The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of bridges to ship collisions.
17: Huey P. Long Bridge (Louisiana)
Identified as highly vulnerable to ship collisions, with an estimated collision frequency of once every 17 years. Its structural design and location contribute to its risk profile.
18: San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (California)
Also considered at high risk for ship collisions, with an expected frequency of once every 22 years. Despite its robust design, its location in a busy shipping lane increases its vulnerability.
19: Miller’s Run Covered Bridge (Vermont)
This historic bridge has been hit multiple times by trucks relying on GPS systems not designed for commercial vehicles. Despite clear signage and fines, collisions continue to occur.
Danger: Suicide Bridges Of USA
The following bridges seem particularly attractive to people attempting to commit suicide.
20: Piscataqua River Bridge – Maine/New Hampshire
On May 11, 2025, a juvenile died by suicide after jumping from the Piscataqua River Bridge. This followed another fatal jump on April 30, 2025, highlighting the bridge’s history of such incidents.
21: Penobscot Narrows Bridge – Maine
Since its opening, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge has been the site of at least fourteen confirmed suicides. Despite discussions about installing suicide barriers, cost concerns have hindered implementation. In May 2015, solar-powered phones connecting directly to a suicide hotline were installed at both ends of the bridge.
22: Sunshine Skyway Bridge – Florida
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has a long-standing history of suicides, with over 300 deaths by jumping reported. While crisis hotline phones and patrols have been implemented, the bridge continues to be a concern for mental health advocates.
23: Monroe Street Bridge – Spokane, Washington
Known locally as a “suicide bridge,” the Monroe Street Bridge has seen an average of 2.4 suicide deaths per year between 2006 and 2018. Despite discussions about installing safety barriers, no formal measures have been implemented as of August 2020.
24: Flagler Beach Bridge – Florida
In recent years, the Flagler Beach Bridge has been the site of multiple suicide attempts. Notably, in one incident, a woman survived a jump into the Intracoastal Waterway and was rescued by emergency personnel.
25: Odabashian Bridge – Washington
In April 2024, a 37-year-old man survived a suicide attempt after jumping into the Columbia River from the Odabashian Bridge. He was rescued by emergency responders and taken to a hospital for treatment.
26: Delaware Memorial Bridge – Delaware
On March 7, 2025, 23-year-old Marvin Fugon reportedly died by suicide after jumping from the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Despite extensive search efforts, his body remains missing.
27: Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge – Rhode Island
A 28-year-old woman survived a suicide attempt in June 2015 after jumping into Narragansett Bay from the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge. She was rescued by the North Kingstown harbormaster and transported to a hospital for treatment.
NTSB’s Recent Safety Recommendations
In response to recent bridge incidents, the NTSB has recommended safety assessments for 68 U.S. bridges, focusing on those built before 1991 and susceptible to ship collisions. Notable bridges under scrutiny include:
29: Golden Gate Bridge (California)
30: Brooklyn Bridge (New York)
31: George Washington Bridge (New York/New Jersey)
32: Chesapeake Bay Bridge (Maryland)
These assessments aim to evaluate the risk of collapse due to vessel impacts and to implement necessary risk reduction plans.
These Are Some Of The Most Dangerous Bridges In The USA; On Account Of The Likelihood Of Collison With Ships.
A 2025 study by Johns Hopkins University assessed the likelihood of ship collisions with major U.S. bridges. The estimated return periods indicate how often a significant collision might occur:
Rank Bridge Name Location Estimated Collision Interval
33: Huey P. Long Bridge Louisiana Every 17 years
34: San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge California Every 22 years
35: Crescent City Connection Louisiana Every 34 years
36: Beltway 8 Bridge Texas Every 35 years
37: Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge Louisiana Every 37 years
38: Bayonne Bridge New York/New Jersey Every 43 years
39: Fred Hartman Bridge Texas Every 47 years
40: Martin Luther King Bridge Texas Every 64 years
41: Sunshine Bridge Louisiana Every 71 years
42: Rainbow Bridge Texas Every 71 years
43: Veterans Memorial Bridge Louisiana Every 74 years
44: Chesapeake Bay Bridge Maryland Every 86 years
45: Talmadge Memorial Bridge Georgia Every 88 years
46: Veterans Memorial Bridge Texas Every 94 years
47: Delaware Memorial Bridge Delaware/New Jersey Every 129 years
48: Dames Point Bridge Florida Every 152 years
49: Horace Wilkinson Bridge Louisiana Every 198 years
50: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge New York Every 362 years
These intervals suggest the frequency at which each bridge might experience a significant ship collision, with shorter intervals indicating higher vulnerability.
Some bridges are notorious for frequent vehicular collisions, often due to low clearance:
Related:
Conclusion
While this list doesn’t encompass all bridges with high collision rates, it highlights those identified in recent studies as particularly vulnerable. Factors contributing to these risks include structural design, clearance levels, and traffic patterns. Ongoing assessments and infrastructural improvements are essential to mitigate these risks and enhance safety.