The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has announced that work on the reconstruction of Baltimore’s iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge will officially begin in January 2025. This ambitious project aims to restore a vital link in Maryland’s transportation infrastructure and ensure its safety and efficiency for decades to come.
Pre-construction activities are set to commence on January 7, including essential preparatory work such as surveying, scanning the riverbed, and collecting soil samples. These steps will lay the groundwork for the more intensive demolition phase, scheduled to begin in the spring. The project is expected to span four years and come with a hefty price tag of approximately $2 billion.
What sets this project apart from many other large-scale infrastructure undertakings is the source of its funding. The entire reconstruction cost will be covered by federal funding, thanks to a new federal spending package passed on December 20, 2024. This package not only averted a potential government shutdown but also included $100 billion in disaster relief funding, with a significant portion earmarked for the Key Bridge rebuild.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed gratitude for the federal support, emphasizing the importance of the project not just for the state but for the national economy. “Maryland is proud and grateful that Congress has agreed to support 100% of the cost share to rebuild the Key Bridge,” Moore stated. “This is a big deal for not just Maryland, but our nation’s economy, and guarantees the four objectives we set for Maryland’s recovery will be accomplished.”
The reconstruction of the Key Bridge comes nearly a year after its dramatic collapse in March 2024. In the early hours of March 26, a large cargo ship lost electrical power and collided with the bridge, causing a significant section to collapse into the Patapsco River. Tragically, the collapse resulted in the deaths of six road workers and severe disruption to the region’s transportation network.
The six workers who lost their lives were identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35; Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26; Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38; Carlos Hernandez, 24; Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49; and Jose Mynor Lopez, 35. Two additional workers were injured but survived. The collapse also forced the closure of the Port of Baltimore for weeks as crews worked to clear debris from the river and restore access to this critical economic hub.
In the immediate aftermath of the collapse, Maryland officials acted swiftly to secure federal support. President Joe Biden approved an initial request from Governor Moore, providing $60 million in emergency relief funding to recover debris from the river. The president later advocated for full federal funding of the bridge reconstruction, citing its importance to both local and national interests. In November, Biden formally requested that Congress allocate the necessary funds for the project as part of the disaster relief fund.
The Maryland Transportation Authority had already begun planning for the bridge’s reconstruction. In August, the MDTA awarded a $73 million contract to Kiewit Infrastructure Company for the design and initial construction of the new bridge. The project is expected to incorporate modern design elements and enhanced safety features, ensuring the bridge meets the needs of Maryland’s residents and businesses well into the future.
The Key Bridge has long been a critical component of Maryland’s infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the Patapsco River. Its collapse underscored the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure and the pressing need for investment in maintenance and modernization. The federal government’s decision to fully fund the reconstruction reflects a broader commitment to addressing these challenges nationwide.
The significance of the Key Bridge extends beyond Maryland. As a vital transportation link and a gateway to the Port of Baltimore, its functionality has a direct impact on the regional and national economy. The disruption caused by its collapse highlighted the interconnectedness of infrastructure systems and the far-reaching consequences of their failure.
For residents of Baltimore and surrounding areas, the reconstruction of the Key Bridge is a symbol of resilience and renewal. While the project will undoubtedly bring challenges, including traffic disruptions and detours, it also represents an opportunity to build back stronger and more sustainable. The new bridge is expected to not only restore but enhance the connectivity and efficiency that Marylanders rely on.
As work begins in January, the focus will be on meticulous planning and execution. The lessons learned from the bridge’s collapse will inform every step of the process, from pre-construction activities to the final phases of the rebuild. The MDTA and its partners are committed to ensuring the project is completed on time and within budget, with safety and quality as top priorities.
The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is more than a construction project; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in the future. With the support of federal funding, state leadership, and the expertise of engineering and construction teams, the Key Bridge is set to rise again, stronger and more secure than ever.