Maryland's Key Bridge Rebuild Moves Forward with Federal Environmental Approval

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.

Estimated cost for Key Bridge rebuild

The estimated cost, for the reconstruction falls within the range of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion with an expectation that 90% of the funding will be sourced from the government. This significant backing from the level was part of a $4 billion emergency funding appeal, which followed President Joe Biden’s commitment to cover a portion of the rebuilding expenses.

However not all lawmakers are, in favor of the funding plan. While supporters such as Senator Ben Cardin are urging Congress to allocate emergency funds for the bridge there are dissenting voices like Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia who suggest that Maryland should pitch in for some of the replacement expenses by implementing tolls. At a hearing held by the U.S. Senates Environment and Public Works Committee Capito emphasized the presence of projects, across the country requiring assistance.

The recent federal environmental approval for the Key Bridge rebuild signifies an advancement in the projects timeline. With this green light secured the MDTA and MDOT SHA can now shift their focus towards selecting the design build team and engineering consultant for carrying out the rebuilding process. The objective is to have the Key Bridge up and running by October 2028 thereby reinstating a transportation link and bolstering the local economy.

The revamping of the Francis Scott Key Bridge goes beyond just a technical project; it represents a symbol of resilience and recovery for the Baltimore community. The federal environmental approval granted for the Key Bridge reconstruction highlights the role this infrastructure plays well as underscores the joint effort of federal, state and local entities to collaborate in reconstructing and reconnecting communities affected by it. As work on this project moves forward it will be imperative to uphold this approach to ensure that the new Key Bridge serves as a testament, to engineering practices, environmental conservation efforts and community strength.