Rebuild of Francis Scott Bridge Begins in January

The Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild project is set to commence in January, as announced by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

Pre-construction activities, including surveying, riverbed scanning, and soil sampling, will start on January 7. Demolition work is scheduled to begin in the spring. The project follows a tragic incident in March when a cargo ship, the Dali, collided with the bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. Six road workers from Brawner Builders lost their lives in the disaster, and commuters were left without a key section of the highway.

The rebuild, projected to cost approximately $2 billion, is expected to take four years to complete. The entire cost will be covered by federal funding. Congress approved a federal spending package on December 20 that prevented a government shutdown and allocated full funding for the bridge rebuild as part of the $100 billion disaster relief section.

"Maryland is proud and grateful that Congress has agreed to support 100% of the cost share to rebuild the Key Bridge," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. "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."

In August, MDTA awarded a $73 million contract to Kiewit Infrastructure Company to design and construct the new Key Bridge.

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