Key Bridge disaster among factors as Maryland Cycling Classic postponed until 2025

Organisers of the Maryland Cycling Classic have announced this year’s race, due to take place on September 1, will be postponed until 2025, saying the shipping disaster that caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March has heavily impacted traffic in the area, and holding the race could add to the difficulties for area residents.

The bridge, a section of Interstate 695, fell after being struck by a cargo ship in the early hours of March 26, killing six construction workers who were doing maintenance on the bridge. The Baltimore Sun estimated 30,000 trips per day now have to take a longer route on I-95 via the Fort McHenry Tunnel or I-895 through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel to cross the Patapsco River.