Timetable Set For Maryland Bridge Reconstruction
Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland
Patience. That’s the keyword in the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The bridge collapsed on March 26 after one of its pillars was hit by a cargo ship. The tragedy shut down the port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the country for cruise ships and commerce.
Now, officials in the state of Maryland estimate that it will take approximately four years and a staggering $2 billion to rebuild the bridge. A new span is projected to be completed by the fall of 2028, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development.
Salvage efforts have continued for over a month, and state officials said they had recovered a fifth body as recently as earlier this week. Insurance payments have begun, starting with a $350 million payment to the state.
“We expect the full property policy to be paid very shortly,” the Maryland Transportation Authority said in a news release.
Insurance, federal funding, and other outlets will help pay for the rebuild of the bridge.
The cargo vessel, which is still blocking the shipping channel in the port, is expected to be removed by May 10. That would help open things up for cruise ships and other boats in the highly trafficked port of Baltimore.