By Shefali Kapadia
A key feature is missing over the Patapsco River in Baltimore. The water still glistens, and cargo ships still pass by on their way in and out of the port. But the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had spanned the river since 1977, is no longer there.
In March, a container ship crashed into one of the bridge’s piers. The bridge collapsed, killing six people. Rescue efforts began immediately, and local authorities sprang into action to keep commerce and traffic flowing.
Now, six months out, the conversation has shifted from recovery to rebuilding. The Maryland Transportation Authority board approved a $73 million phase-one contract with Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., a firm with a long history of bridge projects. The rebuild is expected to begin next year, with the replacement bridge scheduled to open in fall 2028.
James Harkness, the chief engineer for the Maryland Transportation Authority, told Business Insider the phase-one contract was one of the biggest milestones to date on the bridge-rebuilding project.
“We are beginning to meet the new team, get acquainted, and start design concepts in earnest,” Harkness said.
SHEFALI KAPADIA 