Maryland shares nearly $1.9 billion price tag, timeline for rebuilding Key Bridge after collapse

On By Vaseline

BALTIMORE, Md. (WBFF) — The Maryland Department of Transportation says it will cost approximately $1.9 billion to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge after its tragic collapse in early March.

The collapse claimed the lives of six construction workers. Unified Command announced Thursday morning that the fifth body had been recovered.

The department said it is working closely with federal partners to build a new bridge that is cost-efficient and delivered as quickly and safely as possible.

The Maryland Transportation Authority is working to quickly deliver a modern bridge that meets the needs of our residents and those who move commerce across our state through an efficient project delivery process, officials say.

The MDTA’s cost estimate at the planning level is between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion. The cost estimate for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is consistent with similar projects of this size and complexity:

  • Long Beach Gateway – Long Beach, California ($1.56 billion)
  • New Goethals – Staten Island, New York ($1.5 billion)
  • Ohio River Bridge Downtown Crossing – Louisville, Kentucky ($1.5 billion)
  • Houston New Ship Channel Bridge – Harris County, Texas ($1.3 billion)

Officials said the MDTA will issue a Progressive Design-Build RFP in late May.

MDOT said the contract will bring a private sector partner and a wealth of knowledge and experience from “Day One.”

The MDTA will engage the contractor and engineering community in an industry forum on May 7. Visit keybridgerebuild.com for more information.

Federal funding, insurance proceeds and other reimbursements will provide a variety of resources for the rebuilding and recovery efforts.

The state is pursuing other recovery options to minimize the net cost to taxpayers and toll customers, MDOT said.

MDOT officials say the expected timeline for rebuilding the bridge is fall 2028.