Maryland Begins Demolition of Collapsed Key Bridge, $1.9B Rebuild Funded

Maryland officials, including Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, recently toured the demolition site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March 2024 resulting in six worker fatalities. Demolition efforts are proceeding on schedule, with crews using heavy machinery to dismantle the 1.6-mile steel span by cutting the deck into six-foot sections for recycling, a process expected to take nine months. The replacement bridge, Maryland's first cable-stayed design, will be taller and feature a wider shipping channel to accommodate larger vessels, with construction of critical foundations anticipated to begin in fall 2025 pending federal approval. The rebuild, fully funded by federal disaster relief, is estimated to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with an expected opening in late 2028. Officials emphasize the project's commitment to safety, fiscal responsibility, and transparency amid public concerns about delays and cost overruns, while local communities express relief at the progress toward restoring vital transportation links. The new bridge is intended to be more resilient against ship strikes, addressing vulnerabilities of the original structure that was crucial for Baltimore's port operations.