J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Multiple additional lawsuits have also been filed related to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, including a case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice that was settled with the ship owner and operator in October 2024 for approximately $102 million to cover the costs to the federal government of the clean-up costs in the aftermath of the bridge collapse. Other cases have been filed by local governments, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County, by the families and estates of the six construction workers who died in the bridge collapse, and other parties who have been negatively impacted. An investigation into the causes of the bridge collapse by the National Transportation Safety Board is currently ongoing.
Reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Planning for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge began shortly after the initial disaster response and cleanup. In July 2024, FHWA issued a categorical exclusion classification and NEPA approval for the replacement bridge. FHWA determined that the replacement bridge is not anticipated to significantly impact community, natural, or cultural resources because the bridge’s capacity and location will be the same as the former bridge. In order to accelerate and simplify the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, MDTA selected a progressive design-build approach. This approach allows for a two-phase contract with a single procurement. During phase 1, the progressive design-builder will complete project scope and preliminary design. Upon successful completion of phase 1, the progressive design-builder will have exclusive negotiating rights for phase 2 at which time a guaranteed maximum price for the project will be established. Phase 2 will include completion of the final design and construction of the new bridge. In August 2024, MDTA approved the award of a $73 million phase 1 design-build contract to Kiewit Infrastructure Company, a construction firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, as the progressive design builder. In January 2025, a $75 million construction management contract was approved by the Board of Public Works to three selected firms that together will be known as the Bridging Maryland Partnership and will oversee planning, engineering, construction management, and program support services during the bridge construction. According to MDTA, preliminary preconstruction activities began in January 2025 and include surveying and scanning of the Patapsco River bed to map the river channel and drilling to collect soil samples. Demolition of the remaining bridge piers is expected to occur in spring 2025 prior to the beginning of project construction. Preliminary project design development is underway. Construction of the new bridge is anticipated to begin in spring 2025, and the new bridge is projected to be completed in fall 2028.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 26
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