A Year After Deadly Collapse, New Designs Revealed For Replacement Of Baltimore Bridge

Almost a year after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, state officials have revealed plans for its replacement.

Maryland’s new bridge design, which will be the state’s first cable-stayed structure, promises improved protection against ship strikes and will stand taller than its predecessor.

With an estimated cost of over $1.7 billion, the bridge is expected to be completed by 2028. The design features two towering structures with cables gracefully extending to the deck.

Maryland officials have stated that this new bridge will not only update the city’s skyline but also stand as a testament to resilience, progress, and economic recovery.

At a press event, Governor Wes Moore remarked that while today’s announcement is a triumph, it comes after the heartbreaking tragedy of the original bridge’s collapse.

The original bridge, a 1.6-mile (2.6 kilometres) steel span that opened in 1977, played a crucial role in connecting the port-focused industrial areas of Baltimore and helping drivers bypass downtown traffic.

However, the structure was tragically destroyed when a large container ship, the Dali, lost power and crashed into one of its supporting columns on March 26, 2024.

The incident led to the death of six construction workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge, with two other workers being rescued.

The collapse disrupted Baltimore’s port operations for months, creating severe traffic jams. Maryland officials quickly pledged to rebuild the bridge to restore the region’s mobility and economic flow.

At the press conference, Governor Moore stated that the reconstruction is not just about remembering the past but about ensuring the future of the Port of Baltimore, a vital gateway to American commerce. “This bridge is essential for the continued success of the Port of Baltimore, and we cannot move forward without it,” Moore said.

Today I am proud to join @LtGovMiller and our state and local partners at Tradepoint Atlantic to unveil the new design of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

We will rebuild the bridge to show once again what it means to be #MarylandTough and #BaltimoreStrong. https://t.co/jafHQafNNc

— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) February 4, 2025

Demolition of the remaining sections of the original bridge will begin this spring, with the construction of the new bridge following soon after.

Earlier this year, the state awarded a $73 million contract to Kiewit Infrastructure, a well-known construction and engineering company, for the initial phase of the rebuild. This phase will focus on design and preparatory work before full-scale construction starts.

Moore also announced that many Maryland residents will be employed throughout the rebuilding process, contributing to both local jobs and the state’s economy.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld explained that the new bridge will incorporate the latest in pier protection technology, given the increasing size of ships and the growing cargo demands.

The bridge will also be built taller to allow more clearance for larger vessels. “While this is a beautiful bridge, it will serve as a functional and vital part of the city’s infrastructure,” Wiedefeld said.

The federal government has agreed to cover the full $1.7 billion cost of the project. Although the state expects that taxpayers will eventually be reimbursed through insurance and damages, this process could take some time, given the ongoing civil lawsuit that seeks to determine liability for the collapse.

Preliminary investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board suggest that a loose cable in the Dali’s electrical system led to the vessel’s loss of power.

Governor Moore, stated, “Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world. We bring vital goods from across the country and the globe, and this bridge is central to that mission.” He also praised the bipartisan efforts in Congress, which helped secure federal funding for the rebuild.

The new bridge project is expected to increase the Port of Baltimore’s container capacity by 70%, leading to the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and generating over $1 billion in private investment.

Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the final bridge expected to open in 2028. The state has also allocated $75 million to support the Bridging Maryland Partnership, which will assist with engineering, construction, and project management.

Governor Moore concluded, “We are committed to making this bridge not just a piece of infrastructure, but a living symbol of Maryland’s resilience and economic strength.”

References: AP News, Maryland Gov

Source: Maritime Shipping News