Almost a year after the deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, Maryland officials on Tuesday unveiled a design for its replacement. Designers say the new bridge will be taller—and better protected against ship strikes.
The original Key Bridge was a 1.6-mile steel span at the mouth of Baltimore’s harbor. It connected various industry areas around the city. It also allowed drivers to easily bypass downtown.
On March 26, 2024, a massive container ship lost power and slammed into one of the bridge’s supporting columns. The structure collapsed. Construction workers were filling potholes on the bridge when the structure crumbled beneath them. Sadly, six perished.
Baltimore officials quickly promised to rebuild the bridge—a longstanding Baltimore landmark and vital piece of transportation structure.
But for months after the collapse, the port remained closed. The closure increased traffic for the city. Travel remains a problem for drivers across the region.
With its graceful outline and delicate design, the new bridge will modernize Baltimore’s skyline, say officials. They hope it will become a symbol of resilience, progress, and economic growth.
“This is a great day for the state of Maryland,” Governor Wes Moore said at a news conference late Tuesday morning. “But it’s not lost on me that today’s triumph was born out of tragedy.”
“Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world. We get cars from Michigan out to market. We bring sugars and spices to Louisiana. We haul farm equipment from the East Coast deep into the heartland,” Moore says. “Commerce and trade are the bedrock of our state, and we will continue to make investments that honor our tradition.”
Demolition of the remaining pieces of the bridge will take place this spring. Construction of its replacement will follow, officials say.
The project will advance in two phases. The first will focus on design work and other necessary steps. Construction will come next. Moore promises to “employ many Marylanders” throughout the process.
The new bridge will be Maryland’s first cable-stayed bridge. It could be completed in 2028. The design features two towers with cables radiating down to the deck.
State Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld says the design will also include the latest in pier protection. That technology has become more important as ships keep getting bigger and carry more cargo. The bridge will also be taller to provide more clearance for ships.
“While this is a beautiful bridge, it will also be a working bridge for a working city,” Wiedefeld says.
While Maryland officials are looking forward, federal officials are looking back. A federal court case will determine who is at fault for the tragic collapse.
The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its final report. But officials say a loose electrical cable in the ship’s switchboard likely contributed to its power issues.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse could become one of the most expensive maritime disasters in U.S. history.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. — Proverbs 19:21
