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Maryland’s Key Bridge rebuild moves forward with federal environmental approval. This summer, a design-build team is set to be chosen for the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge in Baltimore.
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) have reached a milestone in their efforts to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge, over the Patapsco River in Baltimore. On July 23 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) granted approval for the project a crucial step that sets the stage for rebuilding this important infrastructure. Thus, the approval ensures that the Key Bridge reconstruction can progress without delays or interruptions.
The original Key Bridge, a 1.7 mile through truss structure carrying Interstate 695 collapsed on March 26 following an accident involving the container vessel M/V Dali losing power and hitting one of its supports. This tragic event led to the loss of six maintenance workers lives. Required an effort from multiple agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and state entities to clear debris and restore navigation in the federal shipping channel. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the collapse and developing strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The environmental approval for rebuilding the Key Bridge followed an evaluation process.
The FHWA granted an exclusion classification and NEPA approval determining that the new bridge would not have an impact, on the community, environment or other resources. Officials decided to rebuild the bridge in its original location with four travel lanes, just like its predecessor. Consequently, they expect the project to avoid environmental damage and prevent the need for people or businesses to relocate.
Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland’s transportation secretary and MDTA chair emphasized how crucial this approval is by saying, “Obtaining this approval is a step towards rebuilding the Key Bridge and reconnecting communities after its collapse.” The reconstruction of the Key Bridge aims to restore the socioeconomic and also transportation benefits lost when the old bridge collapsed.
The process of procuring for rebuilding the Key Bridge is already, in progress. The MDTA has released an RFP to find design-build teams for the project. Additionally, Officials expect to select a design-build team this summer and aim to complete the bridge by fall 2028.
Apart from selecting the design-build team MDTA is seeking proposals from engineering consultant teams for a $75 million contract to aid in the reconstruction endeavor. The chosen consultant will offer support services such as risk management assessments, tracking costs and schedules managing project documentation liaising with regulators and overseeing compliance with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements. This comprehensive assistance will play a role, in steering the reconstruction project towards successful completion. |
