Historic Carroll Road Bridge Collapses; Driver Cleared

A 140‑plus‑year‑old one‑lane metal‑truss, wooden‑deck Carroll Road Bridge in Baltimore County collapsed Monday evening, Oct. 20, around 5:20 p.m. while a septic tanker driven by John Cossentino was crossing; the truck became wedged in the destroyed span but there were no injuries or reported leaks. County inspectors downgraded the bridge from “satisfactory” to “fair” in 2023 because of decaying timber and loose bolts, and the structure was last refurbished in 2006, though officials said those defects did not prompt an immediate response. Initial fire department reports said the truck caused the collapse, but Baltimore County police later said the vehicle was not in violation after the truck and load were weighed and found about 10,000 pounds under the 51,000‑pound posted limit. A large tree also fell onto the bridge during the incident, complicating recovery; engineers, contractors and the Maryland Department of the Environment are on scene and a crane will be needed to remove the tanker and debris. Carroll Road remains closed for cleanup and investigation, drivers are being detoured, and officials say any rebuilding will require permits and historic‑preservation compliance.