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| A rendering of a design for the replacement of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. |
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Maryland Unveils Design for Key Bridge Replacement, Set for 2028 Completion
SPARROWS POINT, Md. — Nearly a year after the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, Maryland officials have revealed plans for its replacement—an upgraded, cable-stayed structure designed to be taller and better protected against ship collisions.
Expected to be completed by 2028 at a cost exceeding $1.7 billion, the new bridge will feature two soaring towers with cables extending gracefully to the deck. Officials say its modern design will not only enhance Baltimore’s skyline but also serve as a symbol of resilience, progress, and economic strength.
“This is a great day for the state of Maryland,” Gov. Wes Moore said at a news conference Tuesday morning. “But it’s not lost on me that today’s triumph was born out of tragedy.”
A Landmark Lost and a New Vision
The original Key Bridge, a 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) steel span, was a crucial transportation link, allowing traffic to bypass downtown Baltimore while connecting the region’s industrial and port-oriented communities. It was destroyed on March 26 when a massive container ship lost power and struck a supporting column, causing a catastrophic collapse that claimed the lives of six construction workers who were repairing potholes at the time. The disaster also temporarily shut down Baltimore’s port and increased traffic congestion across the region.
State leaders quickly committed to rebuilding the vital structure. Demolition of the remaining wreckage is scheduled for this spring, with construction on the new bridge set to follow.
The announcement took place at Tradepoint Atlantic, a major shipping hub within the Port of Baltimore that played a key role in cleanup and recovery efforts after the collapse. Once home to the Bethlehem Steel plant, the site is now a revitalized center for maritime shipping, fueling the regional economy.
Economic and Structural Upgrades
“Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world,” Moore emphasized. “We move cars from Michigan to market, bring sugars and spices to Louisiana, and haul farm equipment deep into the heartland. Commerce and trade are the foundation of our state, and we will continue investing in that legacy.”
The first phase of reconstruction, a $73 million contract awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure, focuses on design and pre-construction work. The second phase will involve full-scale construction, with Moore promising job opportunities for many Marylanders.
Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld highlighted key improvements in the new design, including state-of-the-art pier protection technology to safeguard against ship collisions—an increasingly important measure as cargo vessels continue to grow in size. The bridge will also be built taller to increase clearance.
“While this is a beautiful bridge, it will also be a working bridge for a working city,” Wiedefeld said.
Federal Funding and Liability Questions
The federal government has pledged to cover the entire cost of rebuilding, with funding secured through a recent congressional spending bill. Officials expect that insurance payouts and liability settlements will eventually reimburse taxpayers, though legal proceedings could take years.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board continues investigating the cause of the collapse. While a final report has not yet been issued, officials believe a loose cable in the ship’s electrical switchboard contributed to the vessel’s power failure. Federal authorities are also conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, having boarded the cargo ship Dali last year as part of their inquiry.
Despite the lingering legal and financial questions, Maryland officials remain focused on the future, determined to rebuild the Key Bridge as a safer, stronger, and more modern landmark for generations to come.
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