US bridges are frequently struck by barges and vessels [Video]

Scripps News has learned the federal government is examining dozens of large bridges across the country in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Shortly after the disaster, the Federal Highway Administration began collecting information about current and past efforts to protect piers supporting more than 100 bridges that carry vehicle traffic over major waterways.

The review is part of the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation of the Baltimore bridge failure.

The Key Bridge plummeted into the Patapsco River in March just outside one of the nation’s busiest cargo ports, killing six road workers, after a loaded container ship lost steering power and smashed through a critical support pier.

A Scripps News investigation has found good reason to examine how often ships crash into bridges.

An analysis of U.S. Coast Guard records of maritime incidents shows a vessel has run …