The reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March of last year after a container ship collided with it, has been delayed and is now scheduled for completion by the end of 2030. The estimated cost of reconstruction is also projected to increase significantly, to $4.3-5.2 billion.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDTA), the 1.6-mile Key Bridge reconstruction project was originally budgeted at $1.7-1.9 billion and was slated for opening by the fall of 2028.Acting Maryland Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle stated, “The addition of supplemental measures, such as the construction of a reinforced pier protection system, during the post-design and pre-construction phases has significantly increased the cost of materials and the scope of the project.” “The state is pre-emptively covering the cost of the work and will also be using hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance proceeds to fund the reconstruction.”
The state is currently suing the owners of the Dally, the vessel that caused the accident, to seek damages. The funds raised to offset the cost of rebuilding the bridge will be used entirely for the reconstruction.
“The situation has changed dramatically in recent years due to worsening economic conditions and soaring construction material costs,” the official said, adding that “according to Federal Highway Administration statistics, highway construction costs have increased by 72 percent over the past five years.”
The MDTA announced that the main span of the rebuilt bridge will be expanded to 1,655 feet, and the overall span and main pier heights will also be increased to reflect the latest standards and the demand for large-scale marine transportation. Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes More attributed the steep increase in the cost of rebuilding the bridge to changes in federal standards, President Donald Trump’s trade policies, and the overall economic situation.
“Despite the delays and increased costs, we are committed to rebuilding the bridge as safely and efficiently as possible,” Governor More said in a statement on the 17th. “We will minimize the burden on residents through liability litigation and work with the Trump administration to find ways to lower costs and shorten the timeline.”