BALTIMORE, Md. — On March 26, 2024, the original Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, falling into the Patapsco River in the early hours of the morning. The Key Bridge was a major roadway into Baltimore City, so its destruction has led to increased traffic throughout the area. Now, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to rebuild the Key Bridge.
The BayNet reached out to the team working on the reconstruction of the Key Bridge. They responded by offering a detailed description of the latest stage in the process:
“Our engineering and construction team continues to focus on demolition and other preconstruction activities for the Key Bridge rebuild. The next step in the rebuild process is the beginning of the test pile program, which is expected to begin in the coming weeks.”
Currently, the reconstruction effort is still focused on demolition, as preparations need to be made before the construction process can begin. The estimated time of completion for the new Francis Scott Key Bridge is fall 2028, while the budget for the project was originally set at around $1.8 billion.
Demolition includes dismantling sections of the original bridge by removing barriers, piers and other nearby structures with the help of heavy machinery. Over the summer, the reconstruction team often worked between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to ensure the effort met its deadlines.
It will still be at least two years before the new Key Bridge opens to the public, and the partnership with the Department of Transportation may provide insight into how to increase efficiency in the reconstruction process.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Identifies Budget And Timeline Concerns
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to Governor Wes Moore on Sept. 19 to discuss a few important issues surrounding the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In the letter, Secretary Duffy highlighted a few issues, including the budget, estimated completion schedule and DEI practices.
Secretary Duffy began by explaining that he will be conducting oversight of the reconstruction effort, noting that a partnership with the Department of Transportation is also a partnership with all of America.
“Congress granted the Secretary of Transportation important authorities to conduct critical oversight to ensure that federal highway funds are properly managed, and I take this authority seriously. It is my role to guarantee that federally funded projects benefit the entire nation through every dollar spent. When a state partners with DOT on major infrastructure projects like the FSK Bridge, it partners with the American people,” the letter reads.
Secretary Duffy also pointed out that contracts awarded based on race or sex might present “significant legal vulnerabilities” and questioned the project’s estimated completion date and overall cost, which comes out to around $1.8 billion.
“It is with this oversight role in mind that I would like to continue our discussion on how DOT can support MDOT in its delivery of critical infrastructure on time, on budget, and in compliance with the law,” the letter continues. “I am particularly interested in how the State of Maryland plans to achieve key delivery metrics for the FSK Bridge replacement project, including MDOT’s estimates of a $1.8 billion project cost and the 2028 expected completion date.”
Governor Wes Moore responded to Secretary Duffy’s letter, explaining that Maryland will work with the Trump administration to find ways to reduce costs.
“We will continue to work with the Trump administration to find ways to reduce costs and rebuild faster. We anticipate the price estimation process to be finalized in the coming months, and we will provide regular updates from the Maryland Department of Transportation about the project’s status. In the meantime, we will continue to pursue litigation and make substantial financial contributions by way of advance construction costs and insurance settlement dollars to keep the project moving,” wrote Governor Moore.
The Department of Transportation will have to work closely with the Maryland Department of Transportation to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which may mean restructuring the project’s timeline and budget.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
Why isn’t the company that owns the ship that damaged the bridge causing the collapse paying for it’s replacement? I believe it’s an Indian co.
The company’s insurance did pay the minimum liability amount. Somewhere around $250 million.
250 million is a far cry from 1.8 billion how come
Cut out the unions, let them bid like everyone else.
Unions don’t bid on jobs, companies do.
That’s what he’s saying, they should have to bid and compete like everyone else.
Wes Moore got caught doing dei black only construction bid awards.
Bottom line: They’re still TALKING ABOUT IT, after NINETEEN MONTHS. Nobody is out there “working 7am to 7pm.” None of the demolition has even begun. I’ll bet we won’t see a new bridge for at least TEN YEARS. And what do “contracts based on race or sex” have to do with building a critical new bridge? It should have been built by now!!!!!