[sphinx]

According to experts, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, constructed in 1977, did not incorporate fenders or protection cells, technologies that became common in the 1980s following similar accidents.

Thanks. That's the answer I've been looking for. So ... for over 40 years, Maryland DOT and/or the Port Authority has failed to retrofit an inexpensive safety upgrade.

Par for the course.

[AnAmericanMother]

Yep. Not dazzling or sexy, so the politicians weren’t interested in a relatively cheap retrofit that could have reduced or eliminated the risk.