Maryland Reveals New Design for Francis Scott Key Bridge
Officials have revealed a design for a new cable-stayed Key Bridge, set to open by 2028, reestablishing a crucial link for Baltimore lost in last year’s collapse.
On Tuesday, Maryland officials announced the design for a new Francis Scott Key Bridge, marking a significant milestone in the reconstruction efforts following the disaster last year that led to the original bridge’s collapse, resulting in the tragic loss of six construction workers’ lives and temporarily disrupting global commerce at the Port of Baltimore.
The new bridge, which will showcase Maryland’s first cable-stayed design, is projected to open by fall 2028.
Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, spearheaded the announcement alongside state and federal officials, reflecting on the tragic events of March 26, 2024, when a container ship lost power and struck one of the bridge’s support columns, leading to its collapse. All six victims were Latin American immigrants engaged in road repairs.
“Today marks a significant day for Maryland, and it’s important to acknowledge that this achievement emerges from profound tragedy,” Moore stated. “Just under a year ago, I received a late-night call informing me that the Dali had collided with the Key Bridge, causing its downfall.”
That morning, the governor pledged to reopen the Port of Baltimore and to rebuild the bridge.
He commended state and federal agencies for their swift response, noting that the port was reopened in just 11 weeks, significantly earlier than the initial twelve-month estimate.
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The design of the new bridge pays tribute to the architectural style of its predecessor while integrating modern safety features.
Officials indicated that it will be constructed to meet the highest industry standards, utilizing premium materials and engineering innovations for long-lasting durability and resilience. It will include wider lanes, increased clearance for larger vessels, and comply with the latest international safety regulations.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld stated that the new bridge will be built to last for “100 years.”
The federal government will fully finance the bridge, with Moore acknowledging bipartisan support in Congress from lawmakers across party lines for securing the necessary funding.
The governor additionally announced that Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has initiated legal action against the ship’s owners and managers to prevent taxpayers from shouldering the costs of the bridge reconstruction.
Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller highlighted the bridge’s significant symbolic and practical role, describing it as a “beacon of perseverance” for the state.
“A road is never just a road. A bridge is never just a bridge,” she remarked. “Transportation is a vital force for freedom, linking people to opportunities, communities to each other, and businesses to the economy.”
This image, provided by the Office of the Governor of Maryland, displays renderings of the replacement for Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge that were revealed during a news conference on Feb. 4, 2025, in Sparrows Point, Md. Office of the Governor of Maryland via AP
Initial construction activities, including soil testing and site preparation, are already in progress.
The next significant phase will involve demolishing the remaining steel bridge supports this spring, followed by immediate commencement of construction.
A recent study conducted by the University of Maryland and Morgan State University estimates that the bridge’s collapse resulted in an additional $450 million in annual costs for the trucking industry alone.
Armand Patella of the Maryland Motor Truck Association highlighted the economic ramifications of losing the bridge and stressed the need to adhere to the set schedule.
“For us, it was never about the cost of a new bridge. … It was more about the cost of not rebuilding it.”
Federal Highway Administration officials reaffirmed their dedication to the project, indicating that environmental evaluations and permitting processes have been accelerated to hasten construction.
FHWA Maryland Division Administrator Valeriya Remezova described the bridge as a “critical link for regional infrastructure,” assuring that the agency will assist in ensuring it is “rebuilt stronger than before” to provide for economic stability and the safety of all who depend on it.
Maryland officials expect further updates regarding the bridge’s timeline and budget in the upcoming months.
