Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, best amtrak trips from raleigh.

Jacksonville Florida beach

Raleigh is a great place to start an Amtrak trip. The Carolinian , Piedmont and Silver Star trains stop in the city, so there are multiple routes that can take you as far north as New York City and south all the way to Florida. To start planning your getaway, here are the best Amtrak trips from Raleigh that don’t require a train transfer or middle-of-the-night travel.

Editor’s Note: Amtrak Guide is reader supported and we may make a small commission if you purchase a product via one of the links below. For schedule and ticket information, visit Amtrak.com.

Eno River State Park in Durham

Durham is only 30 minutes away from Raleigh via Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont routes. It’s an easy day trip with a beautiful  botanical garden ,  performing arts center ,  great food scene  and  Eno River State Park  (pictured above) to explore. The Amtrak station is also a short walk from the Carolina Theatre , making it easy to go to a show.

There are multiple trains to choose from each day, so you can decide on the length of your stay. Multiple hotels are near the Amtrak station if you plan to stay overnight and want to be in walking distance: The Durham Hotel , Marriott City Center , Unscripted Durham and 21c Museum Hotel .

Greensboro is another Amtrak day trip option from Raleigh with multiple trains to choose from each day. Travel time is 1.5 hours and you’ll arrive a short walk away from downtown Greensboro . Explore shops, restaurants, bars and attractions including the  International Civil Rights Center ,  Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden ,  Greensboro Science Center (animal encounters), Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and the  Greensboro Arboretum .

Charlotte, North Carolina skyline

The biggest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is 3 to 3.5 hours away from Raleigh on Amtrak. Two routes travel to the city: Carolinian and Piedmont , with a slightly faster commute on the Piedmont. We recommend getting a ride from a taxi, Lyft or Uber to reach the Center City, the light rail system or attraction of your choice after you arrive.

While in Charlotte, you can check out the many museums, visit Carowinds theme park, shop at SouthPark Mall , go to a game at the ballpark , attend an event at the stadium or watch a NASCAR race. You can return same day to Raleigh if you don’t want to stay overnight. The last return train departs around 7 p.m. each day.

Richmond Virgina, Falls of the James

Only 3.5 hours away from Raleigh, Richmond is full of cultural and recreational activities. The Silver Star arrives around noon and the Carolinian in the afternoon just north of downtown. You’ll need to get a taxi, Uber or Lyft to reach the city and the many parks, gardens, museums and historic areas. Highlights include the  Maymont  mansion and gardens,  Carytown neighborhood  and the  White House of the Confederacy . Due to the train schedule, you’ll need to stay at least one night in Richmond.

Fredericksburg

The childhood home of George Washington,  Fredericksburg  has a charming  historic district  near the Amtrak station. The city has many old buildings you can tour, the  James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library ,  National Military Park ,  Battlefield  and  National Cemetery , where many Union soldiers are buried. Be sure to check out some of the local  restaurants  and breweries while you are there. Travel time is five hours on the Carolinian . Plan to stay at least one night.

Alexandria, Virginia

George Washington considered Alexandria, Virginia his home town, making a visit here a unique way to experience the roots of America’s first president.  Embassy Suites  and  Hilton  hotels are conveniently across the street from the Amtrak station, and the charming  Old Town  district on the Potomac River is a 25-minute walk away.

In addition to rideshare services and taxis, transportation options include blue and yellow line trains at the  King Street-Old Town Metro Station , which will take you to Reagan Washington National Airport and all the sights in Washington D.C. The Old Town  water taxi  is also a fun way to reach the  National Harbor ,  The Wharf  and  Georgetown .

The Carolinian and Silver Star trains travel to and from Alexandria each day with a travel time of 5.5 to 6 hours (the Silver Star is faster).

Washington D.C.

National Mall in Washington DC

With  free museums , stately  monuments ,  many events  and Potomac River cruises , there is always something to do and eat in  Washington D.C.  The train trip from Raleigh is about six hours via the Carolinian and Silver Star trains. DC’s  Union Station  has a direct connection to the  WMATA red subway line, so you can easily get around without a car. Many  tours  are also available to help you see the many sights.

Washington D.C. also has connections to other Amtrak routes. See best day trips and overnight rail vacations from Washington D.C. to learn more.

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Baltimore  is a historic city with interesting neighborhoods and a fun waterfront scene. After a 7.5 hour train ride, you can easily connect with Lyft or Uber to reach the  Inner Harbor  or attraction of your choice, including the  National Aquarium ,  Fort McHenry  and  Fell’s Point  neighborhood. Consider a boat tour for a unique way to see the city, and rail fans should consider visiting the  B&O Railroad Museum . Tip: Washington D.C. is only 40 minutes away via Amtrak, so you can easily visit both cities if desired.

Philadelphia

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

Head to Philadelphia to eat an authentic Philly cheesesteak and visit the  Liberty Bell ,  Independence Hall  or the many other museums and historic sites. Amtrak travel time is about 8.5 hours, with the option to connect with commuter trains, subway, Lyft, Uber, tourist trolleys and  bikeshare  once you’re in the city. The  Schuylkill River Trail  is an especially beautiful place for a bike ride.

You’ll arrive in the evening, so it is best to stay two nights to have a full day to see the sights. You can book tickets on the Carolinian and Silver Star trains, so you’ll have two departure times to choose from each day.

New York City

Times Square New York City

New York City  is the last stop on the northbound Carolinian and Silver Star routes, about 10 hours from Raleigh. You’ll arrive in  Penn Station ‘s new train hall with easy access to the subway, commuter trains, taxis and rideshare services. There are many museums , attractions  and  Broadway shows  to check out, plus world-class shopping and dining  experiences. Like with Philadelphia, it is an evening arrival, so two nights in New York City is recommended (especially if you want to go to an evening performance).

Indian Harbour Beach in Florida

For a beach vacation, take Amtrak to Florida . The shortest trip is to  Jacksonville  (10 hours, pictured top of page), but you’ll be sleeping for a large portion of that time as this is an overnight train ride. There’s a great mix of beaches, parks and cultural amenities, including the  Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens ,  Cummer Museum of Art  and  Riverside Arts Market .

Winter Park  and  Orlando  (about 13 hours) are other great places to visit.  Walt Disney World ,  Universal Orlando Resort  and  SeaWorld are a short drive away. Or for beautiful beaches and water sports in and around Clearwater, book your ticket to Tampa (almost 16 hours away from Raleigh).

The  Miami Station  is the last stop in the Sunshine State, with a travel time of 21.5 hours.

More Information

  • Amtrak Stations in North Carolina
  • 7 essential things to pack for an Amtrak trip
  • Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go

6 thoughts on “ Best Amtrak trips from Raleigh ”

I would like to know the schedule dates and prices and daily agenda please.

Would I be able to take a train from Atlanta to Raleigh N.C. or from Atlanta to Fayetteville N. C. round trip ?

The train from Atlanta (Crescent) does not stop in Raleigh or Fayetteville. View stations on the route here: https://amtrakguide.com/routes/crescent/

Bad train arrival/departure times to/from Savannah.

This information is available on Amtrak.com.

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5 Memorable Train Day Trips You Can Take In North Carolina

travel by train nc

OnlyInYourState Staff

Researched and written by our staff writer who enjoys contributing about their state for our site.

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While North Carolina’s history is deeply rooted in the railway industry, including many cities that were once thriving railroad hubs, today we usually navigate our gorgeous state by car. Yet, there’s something nostalgic and unique about hopping on board to see the untouched wilderness throughout our state. These epic day train trips in North Carolina will get you from point A to point B in an unforgettable fashion.

travel by train nc

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12 Unforgettable North Carolina Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

travel by train nc

How fun is this? The best part is that many train day trips in North Carolina offer so much more than just a ride; you’ll be learning about history, seeing beautiful places, and creating lasting memories. Have you done any of these train trips – or plan to now? Let us know in the comments below! And for another totally memorable day trip, you have to visit the hidden castles in North Carolina – these sites are total hidden gems, and so much fun to explore!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Day train trips in north carolina.

What are the coolest attractions in North Carolina?

  • If you love history, you've got to plan a visit to the living history farm at Latta Plantation. You'll learn so much about 19th-century life!
  • If you're looking for a fun outing for kids, head to Discovery Zone or SciWorks, where there are so many interactive things to do that kids won't even realize how much they're learning. SciWorks even has a beautiful planetarium.
  • For a unique day trip, head to Sand Dollar Island off the coast of Morehead City and collect a few sand dollars to bring home.

What underrated places in North Carolina should I visit?

  • White Lake is an amazing spot to stop by in the summer, and you might even have it all to yourself! This spot near Elizabethtown often gets overlooked in favor of the larger coastal beaches.
  • If you love the Blue Ridge Parkway, take a drive through the 18 miles of Cherohala Skyway that make their way through our state. It offers views that you'll never forget!
  • When you're on the hunt for something truly unique, though, it's hard to top the Winston-Salem Clamshell. Inside, you'll learn the history of a project that never quite lived up to the expectations and you can enjoy a weird bit of history that not many people have noticed.

What are the best outdoor activities in North Carolina?

For outdoor fun, you can head to the beach, or to the mountains!

  • It's hard to top a hike through Jockeys Ridge State Park, where the dunes seem to stretch on forever. In the mountains, hike Grandfather Mountain to find the most remarkable views in the state.
  • If you prefer a more relaxing adventure, take a dune buggy or 4x4 out to see the wild horses of Corolla, or enjoy a day at the enormous North Carolina Zoo.

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Report shows N.C. rail's growing popularity, emphasizes economic growth from trains

nc piedmont train

A Piedmont line train arrives at the Raliegh Amtrak station. Photo courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation.

According to the Economic Contribution of Rail in North Carolina report released last month — conducted by the N.C. Department of Transportation  and the Institute for Transportation Research and Education —  NC By Train and Amtrak together carry over half a million passengers per year.

The report also showed North Carolina's 3,400-mile rail system, which generates  more than $20 billion annual statewide economic input and supports 88,000 jobs. The state houses more than 100 rail industry businesses, and the state receives about 45 million tons of rail freight.

“Our goal of this study was to understand all the rail-related industries, companies, activities and operations in the state and what impact it has on supporting jobs and business revenue in the state's economy,” Daniel Findley,   associate director of the Institute for Transportation Research and Education, said.

According to the Association of American Railroads ,  rail can ship 471 tons of freight  with one gallon of fuel — making it three  to four times more fuel-efficient than trucks and reducing  carbon emissions by 75 percent. Rail also reduces traffic on highways, both from passengers and large trucks carrying products, which protects infrastructure and reduces the emissions from vehicles on the road.

Nathan Ze lenz, a UNC student, said he saw mostly students when riding the train to Charlotte for a school break. He said there are several benefits to having this mode of transportation available.

“You don't really have to worry about asking somebody for a ride with a car and it takes about the same amount of time,” Zelenz said.

North Carolina and Virginia have received a $1.09 billion grant to build the first and most complex segment of a new  line from Raleigh to Richmond . The S-line, formally known as the Seaboard Air Line , is an underused existing rail corridor.

This portion of the project will connect Raleigh and Wake Forest and is estimated to be completed in 2030.

“We have su ccessful service, but those services run on congested brake networks and they don't provide a lot of opportunity to meet those requirements of fast, reliable and frequent service,” Jason Orthner,   director of the NCDOT rail division, said. 

This project aims to revitalize the S-line to become one of the most technologically advanced railroads in the Southeast. The line will feature 110 mph passenger rail speeds , roadway grade separations that separate rail from other transportation to improve safety, and many more improvements.

The S-line would also provide transportation to many underserved regions and areas. Orthner  said the NCDOT is working closely with communities across the state to bring stations, or mobility hubs, into the areas to ensure that the rail helps them grow economically.

There are some challenges to be addressed for this project to continue, such as the lack of space in heavily urbanized   areas like Wake County. This results in a need for complicated construction and working around drainage systems and other infrastructure. 

“It basically creates a backbone corridor between Virginia and North Carolina and connects the states south and north of there with a new route that allows trains not just to operate in Virginia or just North Carolina, but across the whole length of the system, serving rural and urban communities in between,” Orthner said.

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How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: March 29, 2024 / 5:01 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

A bridge column was hit by a large container ship around 1:30 a.m., sending bridge workers and vehicles into the Patapsco River. A water search for six missing workers turned to a recovery effort Tuesday night.

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Locator map showing the typical traffic routes of cargo vessels passing beneath the bridge and the trajectory Dali followed prior to the allision.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.   

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Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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The Key Bridge was named after the national anthem’s author.

Francis Scott Key was believed to be near the site when he observed a British bombardment during the War of 1812.

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A view of Francis Scott Key Bridge as a ship carrying four giant shipping cranes passes underneath.

By Jin Yu Young

  • March 26, 2024

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship early Tuesday, was named after the American lawyer who wrote the lyrics of the national anthem. Construction of the bridge started in 1972 and was completed in March 1977.

Plans for the bridge began in the early 1970s, after traffic inundated the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, through which Interstate 895 crosses the harbor. When the bridge opened, The New York Times reported that construction costs had totaled $141 million, which is roughly $735 million in today’s dollars.

More than 12.4 million passenger and commercial vehicles crossed the bridge in 2023, according to a Maryland state government report .

The bridge itself spans 1.6 miles over the Patapsco River, but the crossing’s overall structure, including its connecting approaches, is almost 11 miles long. As part of Interstate 695, it is the outermost of three major crossings of the Baltimore Harbor.

Francis Scott Key was believed to be near the site of the future bridge in 1814 when he observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, where he served as quartermaster, during the War of 1812. The battle inspired Mr. Key to write a poem called “The Defense of Fort M’Henry” that would later be set to the music of a popular British tune and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It became the national anthem in 1931.

After the bridge opened to the public, parts of it underwent renovation several times, including a $14 million project in 1986 to repair damage, improve safety and restore the bridge’s appearance.

Jin Yu Young reports on South Korea, the Asia Pacific region and global breaking news from Seoul. More about Jin Yu Young

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? What to know about collapsed Baltimore bridge

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge , a major transportation link in the Baltimore area, sparked a massive search and rescue effort early Tuesday morning.

The bridge has been a critical transportation passageway along the East Coast for decades. Video captured the collapse , after Singapore-flagged container ship, the Dali, collided with one of the bridge's pillars.

The ship had caught fire, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

Here's what to know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Follow here for live updates → Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship collision; rescue effort underway

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge located?

The bridge crosses over the Patapsco River on I-695 and is the final link on the Baltimore Beltway, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority .

It is the outermost of the three tollways that cross Baltimore's Harbor.

How long is the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

The 4-lane bridge structure alone is 1.6 miles long. The facility also includes the Curtis Creek Drawbridge. Including approach roadways, the entire stretch is around 10.9 miles long, MDTA said.

Why did a ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

The ship, a container vessel chartered by Maersk, apparently lost power a few minutes before striking the bridge, a senior U.S. official told USA TODAY .

No Maersk crew or personnel were onboard the vessel when it struck the bridge, according to a statement from the company. It was operated by a charter company, Synergy Group, and owned by Grace Ocean Pte., based in Singapore, and ultimately bound for Sri Lanka.

Accidents like this, called Marine casualties, are not uncommon, the official told USA TODAY, with an allision (an immobile object being struck by a ship) occurring about every 10 years or so. Investigators will likely look into the cause of the power outage and whether there was a mechanical failure on the ship.

How old is the Key Bridge in Baltimore?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in March 1977, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority .

What type of bridge is the Francis Scott Key?

The steel-arched bridge was the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span in the world when it was built and remains the second longest in the United States and third in the world,  according to the American Civil Engineering Society .

When was the Francis Scott Key Bridge built?

Construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge began in 1972.

Francis Scott Key Bridge has a deep history

According to the MDTA, the bridge crosses over the Patapsco River, near where Francis Scott Key, the bridge's namesake, was inspired to write the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner.

Key is believed to have witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry on the night of Sept. 12, 1814, within 100 yards of the modern-day bridge. That battle is what inspired him to the national anthem.

How vital is the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

The bridge is critical to East Coast shipping. The port’s private and public terminals handled 847,158 autos and light trucks in 2023, the most of any U.S. port. The port also handles farm and construction machinery, sugar, gypsum and coal, according to a Maryland government website.

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March 26, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision

By Helen Regan , Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Rachel Ramirez , Elise Hammond , Aditi Sangal , Tori B. Powell , Piper Hudspeth Blackburn and Kathleen Magramo , CNN

Our live coverage of the Baltimore bridge collapse has moved here .

Crew member on DALI said everyone on board was safe hours after bridge collapse, official says

From CNN’s Amy Simonson

A crew member on the DALI cargo ship sent a message hours after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday saying everybody on board was safe, according to Apostleship of the Sea director Andy Middleton.

Middleton, who spent time with the captain of the DALI Monday, told CNN’s Laura Coates he reached out to a crew member after hearing about the incident Tuesday morning. 

He said there were 22 members aboard the ship from India who were setting sail earlier Tuesday morning and were heading toward Sri Lanka.

“I was able to reach out to a crew member very early this morning around 5:30 (a.m. ET) or 6 (a.m. ET) and get a message to them asking if they were OK,” he said. “That crew member responded within just a few minutes advising that the crew was safe, and everybody that [was] on board was safe.”

Middleton was told by the ship's captain Monday that the vessel was going to take a longer route to avoid risks along the Yemen coast.

“When I was out with the captain yesterday, we were talking while we were driving, and he advised that they were sailing down and around the tip of South Africa in order to avoid the incidents that are going on off the Yemen coast, and it was a safer way to go,” he said.

Middleton said the  Apostleship of the Sea  is a ministry to seafarers with members that spend time in the port and on the vessels as a friendly face to the seafarers that visit the Port of Baltimore, “taking care of their needs to make sure that they're reminded of their God-given human dignity when they're here in Baltimore.”

Search operation ends in "heartbreaking conclusion," Maryland governor says. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

The Dali container vessel after striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed into the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday, March 26.

Six people, who were believed to be part of a road construction crew, are presumed dead after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning. The collapse came after a 984-foot cargo ship hit the bridge's pillar.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters Tuesday evening it's a "really heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging day."

Late Tuesday, it was discovered that two of the construction workers who went missing after the bridge collapsed were from Guatemala , the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said late Tuesday.

Here's what you should know to get up to speed:

  • The victims: Eight people were on the bridge  when it fell, according to officials. At least two people were rescued — one was taken to the hospital and was later  discharged , fire official and the medical center said.
  • The incident: Video shows the moment the entire bridge structure falls into the water, as the ship hits one of the bridge's pillars. CNN analysis shows that the  ships lights flickered  and it veered off course before it hit the bridge. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the crew on the ship were able to issue a "mayday" before colliding into the bridge, which allowed the authorities to stop incoming traffic from going onto the bridge.
  • Response efforts: Earlier, dive teams from various state and local agencies were brought in to assist in search-and-rescue operations, according to Maryland State Police Secretary Col. Roland L. Butler Jr.. The mission started with 50 personnel and continued to grow before the Coast Guard announced Tuesday evening that it was suspending its active search-and-rescue operation and transitioning to a "different phase."
  • The investigation: Authorities are still working to establish exactly how the crash occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board will look into  how the bridge was built  and investigate the structure itself. It will "take time to dig through" whether the bridge had ever been  flagged for any safety deficiencies , NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said.
  • Rebuilding the bridge: US Sen. Chris Van Hollen said the path to rebuilding the bridge will be "long and expensive." Senior White House adviser Tom Perez told reporters Tuesday “it’s too early” to tell how long it will take to rebuild the bridge. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he wants the federal government to bear the full cost of rebuilding the collapsed bridge, noting that it will not wait for the company who owns the container ship DALI to shoulder the costs. Funding could come from the Federal Highway Administration as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but it may require additional funding from Congress.

2 of the missing construction workers from bridge collapse were from Guatemala, foreign ministry says

From CNN’s Allison Gordon, Flora Charner and Amy Simonson

Two of the construction workers missing from the bridge collapse in Baltimore were from Guatemala, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late Tuesday.

Those missing included a 26-year-old originally from San Luis, Petén. The other is a 35-year-old from Camotán, Chiquimula, the statement said.

The ministry said both were part of a work team “repairing the asphalt on the bridge at the time of the accident.”

The statement did not name the two people missing, but it said the country’s consul general in Maryland “went to the area where the families of those affected are located,” where he hopes to be able to meet with the brothers of both missing people.

The consulate   also issued a statement Tuesday saying its consul general in Maryland "remains in contact with local authorities," and also confirmed that two of those missing "were of Guatemalan origin.”

Six people, who were believed to be part of a road construction crew, are presumed dead after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning when a cargo ship hit the bridge's pillar.

State and federal officials have not released information about the identities of any of the six missing workers.

Underwater mapping of bridge collapse area to begin Wednesday, Baltimore fire chief says

From CNN's Jennifer Henderson

Search operations near the Key Bridge collapse have shut down for the night due to dangerous conditions, but the process of underwater mapping with many local, state and federal dive teams will begin Wednesday, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace told CNN’s Anderson Cooper Tuesday night.

Wallace said the portion of the Patapsco River is “tidal influenced, so it goes through tide cycles just like the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay does.”

The water depths in the area under the bridge vary from 40 feet to more than 60 feet, Wallace said. The deeper the divers go, the colder the temperatures they encounter, and the visibility is zero, he added.

 Wallace said when crews arrived Tuesday morning, the surface water temperatures of the Patapsco River were about 47 degrees with an air temperature of 44-45 degrees.

Here's what you should know about the historic Francis Scott Key Bridge

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday after a massive container ship lost power and crashed into the iconic Baltimore bridge, sending people and vehicles into the frigid Patapsco River.

Six people, believed to be part of a road construction crew, are presumed dead and the Coast Guard has ended its active search and rescue mission.

Here's what you should know about the historic bridge:

  • How old?: The Francis Scott Key Bridge, also referred to as just the Key Bridge, opened to traffic in March 1977 and is the final link in the Baltimore Beltway, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA.) It crosses over the 50-foot-deep Patapsco River, where former US attorney Francis Scott Key found inspiration to write the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner, the MDTA says.
  • How long?: The bridge was 1.6 miles long when standing, MDTA reports.
  • Traffic volume: More than 30,000 people commuted daily on the bridge, according to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
  • How much did it cost?: The bridge cost $60.3 million to build, MDTA says. Since its collapse, President Joe Biden said he’s committed to helping rebuild the bridge as soon as possible.
  • About the port: Baltimore ranks as the ninth biggest US port for international cargo. It handled a record 52.3 million tons, valued at $80.8 billion, in 2023. According to the Maryland state government, the port supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in related services.
  • About the ship: The bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports. Dali is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk . The ship is about 984 feet long , according to MarineTraffic data. That’s the length of almost three football fields.

Baltimore woman says bridge collapse was "like a piece of family dissolved"

From CNN's Kit Maher

For longtime Baltimore resident, Ceely, who opted not to share her last name, seeing footage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse  Tuesday was deeply personal.

“I was very heavy-hearted,” Ceely told CNN. “Very tearful, thinking about the families whose loved ones may be in the water and just remembering when the bridge was constructed, and it was just like a piece of family dissolved.”

Ceely was at a prayer group Tuesday morning when she saw the news. She recalled being afraid when she first crossed the bridge while in Ford Maverick in 1975, but grew to like it because it saved time on the road.

“It was a main artery just like a blood line. It was a main artery to the other side of town. It was awesome. It beat going through the city all the time,” she said.

Elder Rashad A. Singletary , a senior pastor who led Tuesday night’s vigil at Mt. Olive Baptist Church told CNN that many church members watched the bridge's construction.

"It’s a part of the community. A lot of our individuals in our congregation drive that bridge to go to work, and so now it’s really a life changing moment,” he said.

"Heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging day," Maryland governor says as Coast Guard ended search operation

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

People look out toward the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its collapse in Baltimore, Maryland on March 26.

More than 18 hours after the collapse of the Baltimore bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said it was a heartbreaking conclusion after the Coast Guard ended the search-and-rescue operation for the six people who were on the bridge when it collapsed.

It's a "really heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging day," he said.

"We put every single asset possible — air, land and sea" to find the missing people, he told reporters on Tuesday evening. "While even though we're moving on now to a recovery mission, we're still fully committed to making sure that we're going to use every single asset to now bring a sense of closure to the families," the governor added.

6 people presumed dead after Baltimore bridge collapse, Coast Guard says. Here's what we know

As the sun sets in Baltimore, six people are presumed dead after a major bridge collapsed overnight Tuesday, according to the Coast Guard. The Francis Scott Key Bridge came down around 1:30 a.m. ET after a cargo ship collided with it.

The Coast Guard said it has ended its active search-and-rescue operation for the missing construction workers who were on the bridge when it collapsed.

  • What we know: Eight people were on the bridge when it fell, according to officials. At least two people were rescued — one was taken to the hospital and has been discharged . The Coast Guard has been searching for six other people. But, around 7:30 p.m. ET, the Coast Guard said it has transitioned to a “different phase” of operation, now it did “not believe we are going to find any of these individuals alive,” Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said.
  • About the ship: The bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports. The vessel is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk . The US Embassy in Singapore has been in contact with the country’s Maritime and Port Authority, a State Department spokesperson said.
  • The investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the collapse. A team of 24 experts will dig into nautical operations, vessel operations, safety history records, owners, operators, company policy and any safety management systems or programs, said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. A voyage data recorder will be critical to the investigation, she added. 
  • Vehicles on the bridge: Officials are also working to verify the numbers of how many cars and people were on the bridge, Homendy said. Gov. Wes Moore said the quick work of authorities in closing the bridge had saved lives . Radio traffic captured how authorities stopped traffic and worked to clear the bridge seconds before the impact . Maryland State Police Secretary Col. Roland L. Butler Jr. said there is a “ distinct possibility ” more vehicles were on the bridge, but authorities have not found any evidence to support that.
  • Looking ahead: NTSB will look into how the bridge was built and investigate the structure itself, including if it was flagged for any safety deficiencies , Homendy said. The federal government has also directed its resources to help with search and rescue, to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge, Vice President Kamala Harris said . Earlier, President Joe Biden said t he federal government will pay to fix the bridge.
  • The economy: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned the collapse will have a serious impact on supply chains . Until the channel is reopened, ships will likely already be changing course for other East Coast ports. Ocean carriers are already being diverted from the Port of Baltimore, where the bridge collapsed, to the Port of Virginia to “keep trade moving."

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Reporting by Jyoti Narayan in Bengaluru, David Shepardson in Washington Nina Chestney in London. Editing by Nick Macfie, Heather Timmons and Lisa Shumaker

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