Baltimore’s Key Bridge Will Be A Total Rebuild

Photo credit: David Trozzo, Maryland Department of Transportation

What happened: Federal and state officials shared an update on the Francis Scott Key Bridge recovery and rebuild at a July 10 Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld testified that the entire structure – including the remaining ramps on either side of the collapsed bridge – requires removal and replacement, adding that the state will work with a progressive design build team to “chart a path forward.”

Funding the bridge’s reconstruction was a focus of the hearing, with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) expressing concerns over the backlog of projects across the country seeking emergency relief. Senators and witnesses also discussed potential for tolling or insurance claims to help prop up federal contributions.

What’s next: President Joe Biden is seeking $3 billion in emergency relief funds from Congress to support reconstruction of the bridge. Timeline for consideration is uncertain.