The 1.6-mile long Francis Scott Key Bridge extends over the Patapsco River into the Port of Baltimore, according to the Maryland Transport Authority (MTA).
The bridge, which opened in 1977, is named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the MTA says on its website. Francis Scott Key is believed to have sat near the site of the bridge as he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814, inspiring him to write the words of the US national anthem.
The Port of Baltimore handled more than 52 million tons of international cargo worth over $80 billion last year — the ninth highest total among US ports, according to the Maryland government’s website.
The port supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in Maryland, according to the site.
