By: Todd Karpovich
Source: The Baltimore Sun
As Congress weighs funding the rebuild of Francis Scott Key Bridge, the state continues to make progress in replacing the structure that collapsed into the Patapsco River after being struck by a container ship on March 26.
The design of the bridge rebuild is underway and is expected to be ready early next year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority. Demolition of the remaining Key Bridge structures is anticipated to begin in spring 2025 to be followed by construction. The planned completion date is scheduled for the fall of 2028.
The design-build project to construct a new bridge across the Patapsco River is likely to cost at least $1.7 billion.
Here are some of the latest updates on the project.
Rush to complete Federal financing
President Joe Biden pledged the federal government would cover the costs of the bridge rebuild, and he has called on Congress to fulfill that nearly $2 billion promise.
Members of the Maryland delegation are working to secure funding before Dec. 19 when Congress begins its holiday recess.
Fully funding the Key Bridge is something all members of the delegation support.
“That’s something we see eye to eye on,” said U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the lone Republican who represents the state in Washington, D.C.
