A loss of propulsion would have had an effect on the rudder's ability to steer effectively, Lipian told BI. Related stories"There's no brakes on a ship," Lipian added. Instead of building bridges strong enough to withstand a direct impact from a ship, engineers focus on deflecting a wayward vessel from its path. AdvertisementIn fact, engineers would struggle to design a bridge capable of stopping a ship as large as the Dali, she said. Newer bridges, built with heavier cargo ships in mind, may include larger gaps between the supporting piers, Broyd said.

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Persons: —, Dali, Wes Moore, Henry Lipian, Lipian, Moore, Tim Broyd, Francis Scott Key, Broyd, Lorna Wharton, Rick Geddes, Mark Richards Organizations: Service, National Transportation Safety Board, Business, FBI, NBC, Forensics, US Coast Guard, Port, Maryland Association of Pilots, Gov, Infrastructure Security Agency, ABC News, University College London, UK's, of Civil Engineers, COWI, Cornell University Infrastructure Policy, BI Locations: Maryland