Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement

{{Short description|Bridge project in Baltimore, Maryland, US}} {{about|a planned bridge in Baltimore|other articles|Key Bridge (disambiguation)}} {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox bridge | name = Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement | native_name = | native_name_lang = | image = File:Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement Nov 16 2025.jpg | image_size = | image_upright = | alt = | caption = Workers dismantle the collapsed bridge in November 2025 | coordinates = {{Coord|region:US-MD_type:landmark|qid=Q5482413|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | os_grid_reference = | qid = | fetchwikidata = | onlysourced = | carries = | crosses = [[Patapsco River]] | locale = [[Baltimore metropolitan area]], [[Maryland]], [[United States|U.S.]] | starts = | ends = | official_name = | other_name = | named_for = | owner = | maint = [[Maryland Transportation Authority]] | heritage = | id = | id_type = | website = https://keybridgerebuild.com/ | preceded =  | followed =  | design = | material = | material1 = | material2 = | length = | width = | height = | depth = | traversable = | towpath = | mainspan = | number_spans = | piers_in_water = | load = | clearance_above = | clearance_below = | lanes = | life = | diameter = | first_length = | first_diameter = | second_length = | second_diameter = | third_length = | third_diameter = | capacity = | num_track = | track_gauge = | structure_gauge = | electrification = | architect = | designer = | contracted_designer = | winner = | engineering = | builder = | fabricator = | built = | begin = | complete = | cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]4.3 billion to $5.2 billion (projected) | opened = {{Start date and age|2030|12}} (projected) | inaugurated =  | rebuilt = | collapsed = | destroyed = | closed = | demolished = | replaces = [[Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore)|Francis Scott Key Bridge]] | replaced_by = | traffic = | toll = | extra =  | references = }}

The '''Francis Scott Key Bridge''' '''replacement''' is a project to replace the [[Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore)|Francis Scott Key Bridge]] in greater [[Baltimore|Baltimore, Maryland]], United States. The {{Convert|1.6|mi|adj=on}} bridge [[Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse|collapsed]] on March 26, 2024, after a [[MV Dali|container ship]] struck one of its [[Bridge pier|piers]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Live updates: Rescuers search for people in the water after Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/26/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-maryland/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326133237/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/26/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-maryland/ |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shalvey |first=Kevin |title=Ship strikes major Baltimore bridge causing partial collapse |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/marylands-francis-scott-key-bridge-closed-traffic-after/story?id=108338267 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326090418/https://abcnews.go.com/US/marylands-francis-scott-key-bridge-closed-traffic-after/story?id=108338267 |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> The southernmost crossing of the lower [[Patapsco River]], the bridge was part of the [[Interstate Highway System]] and a major piece of the region's transport infrastructure: a well-trafficked part of the [[Baltimore Beltway]] ([[Interstate 695 (Maryland)|Interstate 695]] or I-695) linking [[Dundalk, Maryland|Dundalk]] in [[Baltimore County, Maryland|Baltimore County]] and the [[Hawkins Point, Baltimore|Hawkins Point]] neighborhood of [[Baltimore]]. It crossed the deep-water shipping channel leading to the [[Port of Baltimore]], one of the country's busiest ports.

Six weeks after the collapse, officials at the [[Maryland Department of Transportation]] announced plans to replace the bridge by October 2028 at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion.<ref name="AP 5-2-2024" /> The cost will be borne by the federal government under a December 2024 bill signed by President [[Joe Biden]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mascaro |first1=Lisa |last2=Amiri |first2=Faroush |title=Biden signs bill that averts government shutdown, includes Key Bridge funding |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/key-bridge-congress-shutdown-3NM7JNWNLRER7BUGADZNIKDEBY/ |access-date=December 21, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 20, 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lebowitz |first1=Megan |title=Biden signs government funding bill, averting shutdown crisis |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-signs-government-funding-bill-averting-shutdown-rcna185114 |access-date=December 21, 2024 |work=NBC News |date=December 21, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> In November 2025, Maryland officials announced that the projected cost had more than doubled, to an estimated $4.3 billion to $5.2 billion, and that the anticipated opening date had been delayed two years to late 2030.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |title=Maryland more than doubles cost estimate on rebuilding collapsed Baltimore bridge |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-cost-estimate-4467bd00043efb6aab9a7f0972fd4157 |access-date=November 18, 2025 |work=AP News |date=November 18, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> In April 2026, the state abruptly cut ties with the design contractor Kiewit. The executive director of the Maryland Transportation Authority Bruce Gartner attributed the decision to costs and impasse on design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Gary |date=April 30, 2026 |title=Key Bridge turmoil: contractor out, timeline and costs unclear |url=https://foxbaltimore.com/spotlight-on-maryland/key-bridge-turmoil-contractor-out-timeline-and-costs-unclear |access-date=May 2, 2026 |website=WBFF |language=en}}</ref>

== Background == {{Main|Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse|Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore)}}

In the early morning of March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge [[Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse|collapsed]] after the [[container ship]] ''[[MV Dali|Dali]]'' struck one of its [[Pier (architecture)|piers]]. Operated by the [[Maryland Transportation Authority]] (MDTA), the bridge was the outermost of three [[Toll bridge|toll crossings]] of [[Baltimore]]'s harbor, along with the [[Baltimore Harbor Tunnel|Baltimore Harbor]] and [[Fort McHenry Tunnel|Fort McHenry]] tunnels. Built for $141 million (about $743 million in 2024 dollars)<ref>{{cite news |last=Peo |first=Cassie |date=March 26, 2024 |title=The history of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2024/03/26/the-history-of-baltimores-key-bridge/ |work=[[Capital News Service (Maryland)|Capital News Service]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 27, 1977 |title=New Bridge Bypasses The Baltimore Tunnel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/27/archives/new-bridge-bypasses-the-baltimore-tunnel.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326142108/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/27/archives/new-bridge-bypasses-the-baltimore-tunnel.html |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> the bridge carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles annually, including many trucks carrying [[Dangerous goods|hazardous materials]] that are prohibited in the tunnels. It was a steel arch-shaped [[continuous truss bridge]], the second-longest in the United States and [[List of longest continuous truss bridge spans|third-longest in the world]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Named for 'Star-Spangled Banner' author, Francis Scott Key Bridge was part of Baltimore's identity |url=https://apnews.com/article/key-bridge-collapse-baltimore-national-anthem-d22abe7910d7d4ece6c8437997b6d5a5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328055012/https://apnews.com/article/key-bridge-collapse-baltimore-national-anthem-d22abe7910d7d4ece6c8437997b6d5a5 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=[[Associated Press]]|last1=Parry|first1=Wayne}}</ref>

== Bridge replacement planning ==

=== Initial planning considerations ===

In an address later on the day of the bridge's collapse, President [[Joe Biden]] said that he would ask [[United States Congress|Congress]] to fund a replacement bridge.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Mariam |last2=Shalvey |first2=Kevin |last3=Shapiro |first3=Emily |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Biden pledges support for Baltimore in wake of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-remarks-francis-scott-key-bridge-collapse-baltimore-harbor/story?id=108510121 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327012635/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-remarks-francis-scott-key-bridge-collapse-baltimore-harbor/story?id=108510121 |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2024 |work=ABC News}}</ref> Two days later, on March 28, 2024, the federal government released an initial $60 million in emergency aid under the Emergency Relief (ER) Program of the [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) that is subsidized by the [[Highway Trust Fund]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Skene |first1=Lea |last2=Witte |first2=Brian |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Cranes arriving to start removing wreckage from deadly Baltimore bridge collapse |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-03-29-2024-7d27a5c561f9f3359935a56139623108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329123932/https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-03-29-2024-7d27a5c561f9f3359935a56139623108 |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>{{sfn|Frittelli|Goldman|Lohman|2024|p=2}} Transportation Secretary [[Pete Buttigieg]] also urged Congress to provide funding for a replacement bridge.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Minho |date=March 31, 2024 |title=Buttigieg Calls on Congress for More Money to Collapsed Baltimore Bridge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/31/us/politics/buttigieg-congress-baltimore-bridge.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402215234/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/31/us/politics/buttigieg-congress-baltimore-bridge.html |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> [[Party leaders of the United States Senate|Senate Minority Leader]] [[Mitch McConnell]] said that it was the federal government's responsibility to absorb the costs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bolton |first=Alexander |date=April 2, 2024 |title=McConnell: Federal government will pay 'lion's share' of Baltimore bridge repairs |url=https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/4569509-mcconnell-baltimore-bridge-repairs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403032658/https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/4569509-mcconnell-baltimore-bridge-repairs/ |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |publisher=Nexstar Media Group}}</ref>

On April 5, 2024, the [[Freedom Caucus|House Freedom Caucus]] issued a statement listing conditions for their support of funding for a replacement bridge, including that the federal government seek maximum liability from the shipping companies upfront, that funding only draw upon available federal funds and be offset with budget cuts, that various federal regulations be waived, and that the [[Presidency of Joe Biden|Biden administration]] lift its [[Environmental policy of the Joe Biden administration#Environmental reviews of projects|pause on liquefied natural gas exports]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Schnell |first=Mychael |date=April 5, 2024 |title=House Freedom Caucus lays out demands for considering Baltimore bridge funding |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4576691-house-freedom-caucus-baltimore-bridge-funding/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405164138/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4576691-house-freedom-caucus-baltimore-bridge-funding/ |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=The Hill |publisher=Nexstar Media Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Solender |first=Andrew |date=April 5, 2024 |title=GOP hardliners squeeze Mike Johnson on Baltimore bridge funds |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/05/mike-johnson-baltimore-bridge-house-freedom-caucus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405211859/https://www.axios.com/2024/04/05/mike-johnson-baltimore-bridge-house-freedom-caucus |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=Axios |publisher=Cox Enterprises}}</ref> [[Ben Cardin]], U.S. senator from [[List of United States senators from Maryland|Maryland]], vowed to hold those responsible for the bridge collapse accountable, but argued against waiting for related litigation to be resolved and insurance claims to be approved, saying, "We're not going to delay opening our channel or rebuilding our bridge with the lengthy process that may take", with which Buttigieg agreed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |last2=Jouvenal |first2=Justin |last3=Viser |first3=Matt |last4=Armus |first4=Teo |date=April 5, 2024 |title=President Biden visits Baltimore to survey bridge collapse site |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/05/biden-bridge-collapse-visit-baltimore/ |access-date=April 5, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="AP 4-9-2024">{{cite news |last=Freking |first=Kevin |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Maryland lawmakers say coming bill will clarify that feds fully pay for replacing Baltimore bridge |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-3c173ebd6756862ecf40011c18f859ad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409202357/https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-3c173ebd6756862ecf40011c18f859ad |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> On April 8, 2024, Moore said he would talk with members of Congress the following week about funding a replacement bridge.<ref>{{cite news |last=Witte |first=Brian |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Maryland governor and members of Congress to meet to discuss support for rebuilding collapsed bridge |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-91ffcb7f1857d3e572cc0bbdd42df983 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409015023/https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-91ffcb7f1857d3e572cc0bbdd42df983 |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> At an April 10, 2024, hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee, [[ranking member]] [[Ted Cruz]] of [[List of United States senators from Texas|Texas]] said the federal government "needs to help rebuild the bridge", but also argued that legal protections to protect taxpayers from the costs of litigation should be implemented and expressed concern about potential bureaucratic delays.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laris |first1=Michael |last2=Duncan |first2=Ian |last3=Mettler |first3=Katie |date=April 10, 2024 |title=Baltimore bridge probe focused on electrical failure, NTSB chair says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/10/ntsb-homendy-baltimore-bridge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410154301/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/10/ntsb-homendy-baltimore-bridge/ |archive-date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 10, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

While some engineering professors suggested that replacing the bridge could take as long as 10 years and cost at least $350 million,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jackman |first1=Tom |last2=Davies |first2=Emily |last3=Aratani |first3=Lori |date=March 27, 2024 |title=Rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will likely take years, experts say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/27/baltimore-key-bridge-rebuild-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329123603/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/27/baltimore-key-bridge-rebuild-timeline/ |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Finley |first1=Ben |last2=Witte |first2=Brian |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Building a new Key Bridge could take years and cost at least $400 million, experts say |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-rebuilding-a126a3b732af95e86d1fbef01e9fb487 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401132906/https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-rebuilding-a126a3b732af95e86d1fbef01e9fb487 |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last=Bryson |first=Sebastian |interviewer=[[Debbie Elliott]] |title=Engineers have much to consider to plan for rebuild of collapsed Baltimore bridge |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/03/29/1241576475/engineers-have-much-to-consider-to-plan-for-rebuild-of-collapsed-baltimore-bridg |access-date=April 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402024414/https://www.npr.org/2024/03/29/1241576475/engineers-have-much-to-consider-to-plan-for-rebuild-of-collapsed-baltimore-bridg |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |url-status=live |work=[[Morning Edition]] |publisher=NPR |date=March 29, 2024}}</ref> a report issued by the [[Congressional Research Service]] (CRS) noted that replacement bridges can qualify for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) under the [[National Environmental Policy Act]] to accelerate regulatory review and project delivery. The report also noted that the [[I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge]] that replaced the I-35W Mississippi River bridge was completed in 11 months with the help of a CE, while repairs to the [[Sunshine Skyway Bridge]] took five years to complete.{{sfn|Frittelli|Goldman|Lohman|2024|p=2}}<ref>{{cite report |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12560 |title=National Environmental Policy Act: An Overview |last=Hite |first=Kristen |date=December 28, 2023 |publisher=Congressional Research Service |access-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402185529/https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12560 |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The CRS report notes that a replacement bridge project could be eligible to receive up to 80% of its funding from the FHWA ER Program since the bridge was a [[Numbered highways in the United States|state highway]], 90% if the expenses cause the state government to exceed its [[federal-aid highway program]] funds for the [[fiscal year]], or 100% of the project cost if Congress makes an exception for the project from the ER Program rules (which Congress did for the I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge), while any state funds received from an approved insurance claim would offset funding awarded from the ER Program.{{sfn|Frittelli|Goldman|Lohman|2024|p=2}}<ref>{{cite report |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47724 |title=Emergency Relief Program for Disaster-Damaged Highways and Bridges |last=Lohman |first=Ali E. |date=March 29, 2024 |publisher=Congressional Research Service |access-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406070219/https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47724 |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the ER Program has a $2.1 billion backlog of emergency relief reimbursements to states and only $890 million on hand. Policy scholars at the [[Eno Center for Transportation]] have suggested that a replacement bridge could qualify for funding under the Bridge Investment Program created under the [[Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]].<ref name="Washington Post 4-11-2024">{{cite news |last=Bogage |first=Jacob |date=April 11, 2024 |title=Baltimore bridge collapse could wipe out emergency federal highway fund |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/11/baltimore-bridge-collapse-highways/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414140647/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/11/baltimore-bridge-collapse-highways/ |archive-date=April 14, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47194 |title=Highway Bridges: Conditions, Funding Programs, and Issues for Congress |last1=Kirk |first1=Robert S. |last2=Mallett |first2=William J. |date=July 25, 2022 |publisher=Congressional Research Service |pages=8–9 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822191016/https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47194 |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 9, 2024, the [[Maryland's congressional delegations|Maryland congressional delegation]] announced that they would introduce a bill to make an exception to the ER Program rules for a replacement bridge.<ref name="AP 4-9-2024" /> On April 11, 2024, Cardin and Maryland senator [[Chris Van Hollen]] introduced a bill in the Senate (S. 4114; referred to the [[United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works|Senate Environment and Public Works Committee]]),<ref>{{cite journal |date=April 11, 2024 |title=Senate |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2024-04-11/pdf/CREC-2024-04-11-senate.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Congressional Record |volume=170 |issue=62 |page=S2719 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425182457/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2024-04-11/pdf/CREC-2024-04-11-senate.pdf |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref> while [[List of United States representatives from Maryland|Maryland representatives]] [[Kweisi Mfume]], [[Steny Hoyer]], [[Dutch Ruppersberger]], [[John Sarbanes]], [[Andy Harris (politician)|Andy Harris]], [[Jamie Raskin]], [[David Trone]], and [[Glenn Ivey]] introduced a bill in the House (H.R. 7961; referred to the [[United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|House Transportation Committee]]).<ref>{{cite journal |date=April 11, 2024 |title=House of Representatives |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2024-04-11/pdf/CREC-2024-04-11-house.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Congressional Record |volume=170 |issue=62 |page=H2316 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425124511/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2024-04-11/pdf/CREC-2024-04-11-house.pdf |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Washington Post 4-11-2024" />

On May 2, 2024, [[Maryland Department of Transportation]] officials said they planned to replace the bridge by October 2028 at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion.<ref name="AP 5-2-2024">{{cite news |last=Witte |first=Brian |date=May 2, 2024 |title=Maryland officials release timeline, cost estimate, for rebuilding bridge |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-body-found-cdd8441c5dff48028d1e141b943ca31e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502125829/https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-body-found-cdd8441c5dff48028d1e141b943ca31e |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>

[[File:SunshineSkywayBridge-4SC_6643-15.jpg|right|thumb|One firm proposed a [[cable-stayed bridge]] like the replacement for Florida's [[Sunshine Skyway Bridge]], the original bridge having suffered a similar fate.]]

On May 3, 2024, [[Webuild]], a European-based construction firm with a U.S. subsidiary, became the first engineering firm to submit a design proposal to the Maryland officials. The proposal called for a [[cable-stayed bridge]] with central support cables, similar to the [[Sunshine Skyway Bridge]] in [[St. Petersburg, Florida]];<ref>{{cite web |date=May 13, 2024 |title=First Proposed Design for Key Bridge Unveiled |url=https://www.roadsbridges.com/bridge-construction/news/55039242/first-proposed-design-for-key-bridge-unveiled |access-date=May 26, 2024 |website=Roads and Bridges}}</ref> it would have a central span of {{convert|2,300|ft|m}}, twice that of the old bridge, and rise {{convert|213|ft|m}}, compared to the previous {{convert|185|ft|m}}.<ref name="tbs-20240625">{{cite news |last=Gardner |first=Hayes |date=June 25, 2024 |title=The proposals are in for new Key Bridge builder; team will be picked by late summer |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/06/25/proposals-key-bridge-builder/ |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626011745/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/06/25/proposals-key-bridge-builder/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

More than 1,700 contracting firms signed up for a May 7, 2024, MDTA industry briefing on the project.<ref name="invites">{{Cite press release |date=May 31, 2024 |title=MDTA Invites Proposals For The Rebuilding Of The Francis Scott Key Bridge |url=https://mdta.maryland.gov/blog-category/mdta-news-releases/mdta-invites-proposals-rebuilding-francis-scott-key-bridge |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Maryland Transportation Authority |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606182054/https://mdta.maryland.gov/blog-category/mdta-news-releases/mdta-invites-proposals-rebuilding-francis-scott-key-bridge |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Request for proposals ===

On May 31, 2024, MDTA officials issued a request for proposals to build the new bridge. It said proposals were due on June 24, 2024, and that a design-build team would be selected in mid- to late summer to "develop the project scope and requirements" with MDTA and other "project stakeholders". Once those are developed, the design-build team "will have exclusive negotiating rights for Phase 2, which includes project final design/engineering and construction". If the agency and team cannot agree on a "guaranteed maximum price", MDTA will seek a builder under a separate contracting mechanism.

The request for proposals set various requirements for the new bridge. It must be a "visually attractive structure that minimizes the number of piers in the Patapsco River and serves as the gateway to Baltimore City and Port of Baltimore". It should be "resilient and aesthetically pleasing", and built to last more than 75 years. Moreover, bidding teams must have a Vessel Collision Protection Design Manager who has at least 10 years' experience analyzing and designing bridge protection systems.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Laris |first=Michael |date=June 1, 2024 |title=With an eye on speed, Maryland seeks private team to rebuild Key Bridge |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/05/31/rebuild-key-bridge-baltimore/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The desired completion date remains the fourth quarter of 2028<ref name="invites" />—specifically, "no later than October 15, 2028," although "incentives will be offered for earlier completion".<ref name="tbs-20240625" />

On June 6, 2024, one bidder told reporters that Maryland officials said the new bridge would follow the same alignment as the old bridge, with consequent demolition of its remaining structural components.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Hayes |date=July 8, 2024 |title=Remaining Key Bridge structures will be blasted, demolished to make way for new span |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/07/08/remaining-key-bridge-structures-will-be-blasted-demolished-to-make-way-for-new-span/ |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=The Baltimore Sun |language=en-US |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129014140/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/07/08/remaining-key-bridge-structures-will-be-blasted-demolished-to-make-way-for-new-span/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2024, four bidders sent construction proposals: [[Kiewit Corporation]], Archer Western/Traylor Brothers Joint Venture, Flatiron Halmar Dragados Joint Venture, and Maryland Key Connectors. On August 1, 2024, the state rejected Archer Western's proposal as uncompliant with the contract's requirements. The agency ranked the remaining three bids on technical grounds and financial ones: the proposed percentage markups over MDTA's figures. Kiewit was ranked first in the more-heavily-ranked technical analysis, and third on the financial side.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Mirabella |first1=Lorraine |last2=Gardner |first2=Hayes |date=August 29, 2024 |title=Baltimore, we have a builder. Nebraska-based company selected to construct new Key Bridge. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/29/baltimore-we-have-a-builder-nebraska-based-company-selected-to-construct-new-key-bridge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829150326/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/29/baltimore-we-have-a-builder-nebraska-based-company-selected-to-construct-new-key-bridge/ |archive-date=August 29, 2024 |access-date=August 29, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun}}</ref>

=== Design work === On August 29, 2024, the Maryland Transportation Authority awarded a $73 million contract to Kiewit for pre-construction and design work. The ''[[The Baltimore Sun|Baltimore Sun]]'' described it as a "down payment on what is expected to be at least a $1.7 billion project". State officials cited Kiewit's work for MDTA and similar projects around and beyond the United States.<ref name=":0" />

On November 17, 2025, Maryland officials announced that the anticipated opening date had been delayed two years to late 2030,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Maryland more than doubles cost estimate on rebuilding collapsed Baltimore bridge |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-cost-estimate-4467bd00043efb6aab9a7f0972fd4157 |access-date=November 18, 2025 |work=AP News |date=November 18, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> and the projected cost had more than doubled, to an estimated $4.3 billion to $5.2 billion. The original bridge—shorter, lower, and more susceptible to failure—was built for an inflation-adjusted ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|141000000|1977|r=-2}}}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Peo |first=Cassie |date=March 26, 2024 |title=The history of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2024/03/26/the-history-of-baltimores-key-bridge/ |work=[[Capital News Service (Maryland)|Capital News Service]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=March 27, 1977 |title=New Bridge Bypasses The Baltimore Tunnel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/27/archives/new-bridge-bypasses-the-baltimore-tunnel.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326142108/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/27/archives/new-bridge-bypasses-the-baltimore-tunnel.html |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

Kiewit's contract with the state of Maryland required the state to negotiate first with Kiewit on an option on phase two construction.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=State to 'off ramp' Key Bridge contractor as work continues |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2026/04/28/state-to-off-ramp-key-bridge-contractor-as-work-continues/ |access-date=April 28, 2026 |work=[[Maryland Matters]] |date=April 28, 2026}}</ref> On April 28, 2026, state and federal transportation officials announced that they would part ways with Kiewit at the end of its design and planning contract, citing high cost estimates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Hayes |title=State dumps Kiewit as Key Bridge builder, potentially delaying project past 2030 |url=https://www.thebanner.com/community/transportation/baltimore-key-bridge-rebuild-contractor-kiewit-TWC6UN46RBH7NDHUHDG5T2YMX4/ |access-date=April 28, 2026 |work=[[The Baltimore Banner]] |date=April 28, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

== Demolition and construction == Demolition of the original bridge's remaining ramps, piers, and aboveground structures was originally planned for 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendez |first=Cristina |last2=Thompson |first2=Adam |date=July 8, 2024 |title=Key Bridge's remaining structures to be demolished with plans discussed for new bridge |work=[[CBS Baltimore]] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/key-bridges-remaining-structures-to-be-demolished-with-plans-discussed-for-new-bridge/ |access-date=July 9, 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709204419/https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/key-bridges-remaining-structures-to-be-demolished-with-plans-discussed-for-new-bridge/ |url-status=live}}</ref> But in November, MTA officials pushed it to 2025 and said it was expected to take about 10 months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Philippe-Auguste |first=Dominick |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Demolition of remaining parts of the Key Bridge pushed back to winter/spring 2025 |url=https://www.wmar2news.com/keybridgecollapse/demolition-of-remaining-parts-of-the-key-bridge-pushed-back-to-winter-spring-2025 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |work=[[WMAR-TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Belt | first = Deb | date = June 26, 2025 | title = Key Bridge Demolition Set To Begin Ahead Of Rebuild | work = [[Patch Media|Patch.com]] | url = https://patch.com/maryland/baltimore/key-bridge-demolition-set-begin-ahead-rebuild | language=en-US | archive-date = June 27, 2025 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250627233132/https://patch.com/maryland/baltimore/key-bridge-demolition-set-begin-ahead-rebuild }}</ref>

Demolition of the remaining bridge began in July 2025 and was expected to take nine months.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2025 |title=Demolition begins on last pieces of Baltimore's collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge |url=https://wtop.com/baltimore/2025/07/demolition-begins-on-last-pieces-of-baltimores-collapsed-francis-scott-key-bridge/ |access-date=July 31, 2025 |website=WTOP News |language=en |agency=The Associated Press}}</ref>

==Design== In August 2024, MDTA officials said that the new bridge will be built on the same route as the old bridge.

It will be slightly wider to accommodate today's federal bridge code, which requires wider [[Shoulder (road)|shoulders]].<ref name=":0" /> The new bridge will have two 12-foot lanes in each direction, 10-foot-wide outside shoulders and 4-foot-wide inside shoulders per direction of travel.

On February 4, 2025, the Maryland Transportation Authority unveiled a preliminary design for a [[cable-stayed bridge]], Maryland's first. It is to have two travel lanes in each direction, with a {{convert|1600|ft|m|adj=on}} main span and {{convert|600|ft|m|adj=on}} supporting towers.<ref name="Gardner 2025">{{cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Hayes |title=Key Bridge design unveiled: Towers will be taller than anticipated |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/key-bridge-replacement-design-towers-JQKH7YS3YJEGRKWFBIHDFBNXWY/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=February 4, 2025}}</ref> Its clearance over the shipping channel will be at least {{Convert|230|ft}}, {{Convert|45|ft}} higher than the old bridge's {{Convert|185|ft}}. The bridge will be longer so the roadway can reach the increased height with an acceptably gradual incline.<ref name="WBAL-TV">{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Tommie |last2=Streicher |first2=Sean |title=Maryland governor unveils new design concept for Key Bridge rebuild |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/key-bridge-rebuild-new-design-concept-unveiled/63662854/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |publisher=[[WBAL-TV|WBAL-TV Baltimore]] |date=February 4, 2025}}</ref>

A comparison of the old and new bridges:<ref>{{cite web |title=Key Bridge Facts |url=https://www.keybridgerebuild.com/images/bridge_design/MDTA_Key_Bridge_Facts-v7.pdf |website=MDTA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321040349/https://www.keybridgerebuild.com/images/bridge_design/MDTA_Key_Bridge_Facts-v7.pdf |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maryland Department of Transportation |date=June 30, 2025 |title=Francis Scott Key Bridge Reconstruction |url=https://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/JCR/2025/2025_121_2025(7).pdf |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=Maryland Legislative Library}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maryland more than doubles cost estimate on rebuilding collapsed Baltimore bridge |url=https://apnews.com/article/baltimore-bridge-collapse-cost-estimate-4467bd00043efb6aab9a7f0972fd4157 |access-date=November 18, 2025 |work=AP News |date=November 18, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> :{| class="wikitable" border="1" ! Feature !! Old bridge !! New bridge |- ! Opening year | 1977 || 2030 (scheduled) |- ! Bridge type | Continuous truss || Cable stayed |- ! Vertical clearance | {{convert|185|ft|m|1}} || {{convert|230|ft|m|1}} |- ! Maximum height | {{convert|358|ft|m|1}} (truss) || {{convert|600|ft|m|1}} (towers) |- ! Total bridge length | {{convert|1.7|mi|km|1}} || {{convert|2.2|mi|km|1}} |- ! Main span length | {{convert|1209|ft|m|1}} || {{convert|1665|ft|m|1}} |- ! Total span length | {{convert|2643|ft|m|1}} || {{convert|3365|ft|m|1}} |- ! Shipping channel width | {{convert|700|ft|m|1}} || {{convert|1000|ft|m|1}} |}

==See also== * [[List of bridge types]]

== References == {{reflist}}

===Works cited=== * {{cite report|last1=Frittelli|first1=John|last2=Goldman|first2=Ben|last3=Lohman|first3=Ali E.|date=March 29, 2024|title=Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)|publisher=Congressional Research Service|url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12619|access-date=April 2, 2024}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore)}} * [https://www.keybridgerebuild.com/ Key Bridge Rebuild], a site set up by the Maryland Transportation Authority * [https://www.roadstothefuture.com/Balt_Outer_Harbor_Proposed.html Baltimore Outer Harbor Crossing Replacement Proposal], on Scott M. Kozel's ''Roads to the Future'' * [https://www.roadstothefuture.com/Balt_Outer_Harbor.html Francis Scott Key Bridge (Outer Harbor Crossing)] on Scott M. Kozel's ''Roads to the Future''

[[Category:Proposed bridges in the United States]] [[Category:Baltimore]] [[Category:Bridges in Baltimore]] [[Category:Bridges in Baltimore County, Maryland]] [[Category:Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore)]] [[Category:Cable-stayed bridges in the United States]]