Beyond the Detour: Modeling Traffic System Shocks After the Francis Scott Key Bridge Failure

Daeyeol Chang, Niyeyesh Meimandi Nejad, Mansoureh Jeihani and Mansha Swami ()
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Daeyeol Chang: National Transportation Center, College of Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
Niyeyesh Meimandi Nejad: National Transportation Center, College of Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
Mansoureh Jeihani: National Transportation Center, College of Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
Mansha Swami: National Transportation Center, College of Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-17

Abstract: This research examines the traffic disruptions resulting from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, utilizing advanced econometric methods and real-time ClearGuide data. Employing Fixed Effects (FEs), Mixed Effects (MEs), Difference-in-Differences (DiDs), and stratified regression models, the study uniquely examines the impacts of congestion across Immediate, Fall, and Winter periods, distinctly separating AM and PM peak patterns. Significant findings include severe PM peak congestion, up to four times greater than AM peak congestion, particularly on critical corridors such as the Harbor Tunnel Thruway northbound and MD-295 northbound. Initial route-level impacts were heterogeneous, gradually becoming uniform as the network adapted. The causal DiD analysis provides strong evidence that increased congestion is causally linked to proximity to the collapse. It is anticipated that incorporating the suggested framework will yield insightful information for stakeholders and decision-makers, such as targeted freight restriction, peak-hour dynamic pricing, corridor-specific signal adjustments, and investments in real-time traffic monitoring systems to strengthen transportation network resilience.

Keywords: bridge collapse; traffic congestion; real-time traffic data; travel time index; sustainable transportation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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