Francis Scott Key Bridge to begin rebuilding after Baltimore collapse: See new design
Nearly a year after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, the Maryland Transportation Authority and Gov. Wes Moore have unveiled the new design for the historic wonder.
At a news conference Tuesday, Moore said the proposed redesign will honor the architectural integrity of the original bridge, which plunged into the Patapsco River on March 26, 2024, after being struck by 984-foot container ship that lost power. Eight construction workers fixing potholes on the bridge fell into the river. Six died, and two were rescued.
Moore said officials completed three out of four crucial objectives within 11 weeks after the collapse, including recovering the six bodies, clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore.
"After completing those three directives, we set our focus on No. 4: rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge," Moore told reporters Tuesday. "This directive is not about nostalgia. This directive is about necessity because you cannot have a fully functioning Port of Baltimore, the gateway to America, without the Key Bridge."
The governor also applauded a broad bipartisan effort from Congress to pass a federal spending package in December that covers rebuilding costs.
See the new Francis Scott Key Bridge design
The governor's office and the Maryland Transportation Authority shared a digital rendering of the new bridge.
"The original bridge was built using the most advanced industry standard and best materials available at the time. Our new bridge will also be constructed in accordance with the most advanced industry standards and the very best in infrastructure design," Moore said. "We are going to use the best materials available, and employ many Marylanders to build it."
Earlier this year, the Moore-Miller administration proposed funding for a transformative project with real estate developer Tradepoint Atlantic. Moore said the project will increase the Port of Baltimore's container capacity by 70%, creating more than 8,000 jobs and generating over $1 billion in private investments.
The design and construction involved a collaboration between the transportation authority and the Kiewit Infrastructure Co., which estimates the project will cost about $2 billion, according to CBS News.
When will the Francis Scott Key Bridge reopen?
Construction is expected be completed in 2028, Maryland Motor Truck Association Executive Vice President Armand Patella said at the news conference.
Pre-construction began in January as officials surveyed the riverbed, collected soil samples and examined about 1,100 nearby homes and businesses.
Last month, the state transportation authority approved a $75 million Bridging Maryland Partnership for General Engineering Consultant services contract to assist with planning, engineering, construction and management, CBS News reported.
"We are going to continue to work together to cement Baltimore as a maritime hub for the East Coast and a maritime hub for this nation," Moore said. "This will be the place that the country will remember not just what resilience looks like, but what economic growth looks like."