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“The impact force with these very large container ships is huge,” Dowell said.

Even so, Dowell said all bridges evaluated before the Baltimore bridge collapse should be reassessed, even the Bay Bridge.

Dowell said the assessment of older bridges — and upgrading, if necessary — should be mandatory.

Still, Robert Dowell, an associate professor of structural engineering at San Diego State University, said the Baltimore collapse demonstrated how vital it is to protect bridge piers from large container ships by installing or upgrading large fenders and ‘dolphins’ on the bridges that keep ships completely clear of bridges’ vital support piers.

“I think they should be required to do a detailed assessment,” Dowell said.