News Summary
The Carroll Road bridge in Baltimore County collapsed while carrying a septic truck, prompting an investigation into the structural failure. Fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed. The collapse has disrupted daily traffic for 2,500 vehicles and raised questions about the bridge’s integrity after recent refurbishments. Business owner John Cossentino is facing financial challenges and is seeking community support through a GoFundMe campaign. Local authorities are assessing potential environmental impacts and continuing cleanup efforts for the incident.
PHOENIX, Baltimore County – The historic Carroll Road bridge, which has stood for 146 years, collapsed earlier this week while a truck was crossing it, leading to an ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The bridge, a one-lane structure measuring 92 feet long with a wooden deck and metal truss, was carrying a septic truck owned by local small business owner John Cossentino at the time of the collapse. As the bridge gave way, a large tree also fell onto the truck, trapping Cossentino inside. He managed to escape unharmed.
Authorities from the Baltimore County Police Department are currently investigating the collapse, confirming that Cossentino is not at fault for the incident. There were no citations issued to him, and at this stage, the focus of the investigation will be determining the underlying factors that led to the structural failure of the bridge.
Approximately 2,500 vehicles traverse the Carroll Road bridge daily, making its collapse a significant disruption for the community. The bridge, which crosses over Carroll Branch stream—a tributary of Big Gunpowder Falls—was refurbished in 2006, leading to questions about its structural integrity after over a century of service.
Cossentino’s predicament deepens as he faces financial struggles due to the collapse of the bridge. His insurance does not cover rental or loaner trucks, and he is currently unable to operate his business without a functioning vehicle. In light of this situation, Cossentino’s brother has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover bills and expenses incurred during this period of disruption.
Richard Thomas, a long-time resident, has raised concerns that the fallen tree may have played a role in the bridge’s collapse. In the aftermath of the incident, crews have been working diligently to clear debris from the scene. Their efforts include removing the fallen tree from the bridge, and a crane has been arranged to lift the septic truck safely away.
Officials from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) were present at the site to monitor the situation, especially to assess any environmental risks posed by the truck and its contents. Immediately following the removal of the truck, MDE will perform an inspection to ensure no leaks or hazards have occurred, as no significant spills have been reported at this time.
Motorists in the area have been advised to expect detours as repairs and safety assessments are planned for the structurally compromised bridge. With thorough investigations underway, the Baltimore County community is left to ponder the future of this historic structure, which has served the area for nearly a century and a half.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Carroll Road Bridge Collapse Disrupts Local Business in Phoenix
145-Year-Old Bridge Collapses in Baltimore County
Bridge Collapse in Baltimore County Raises Safety Concerns
Bridge Collapse in Baltimore County Raises Safety Concerns
Septic Truck Causes Bridge Collapse in Baltimore County
Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore
- Wikipedia: Bridge
- WBAL TV
- Google Search: Phoenix bridge collapse
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Bridge collapse investigation
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge collapse
- Nottingham MD
- Google News: Carroll Road bridge collapse
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
