By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D) unveiled the design concept for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed on March 26, 2024.
“Soon, Maryland’s first cable-stayed bridge will rise, not just replacing what we lost but revealing what we have found–strength and unity in our state,” said Miller. “This bridge will stand as a beacon of perseverance.”
Moore provided a glimpse into the standards and criteria guiding the bridge’s recreation.
“The original bridge was built using the most advanced standard and best materials available at the time,” said Moore Feb. 4 at the Tradepoint Atlantic in Edgemere, Md. “Our new bridge will also be constructed in accordance with the most advanced industrial standards and the very best infrastructure design. We are going to employ many Marylanders to get it done.”
“We are going to continue to work together to cement Baltimore as a maritime hub for the East Coast and a maritime hub for this nation,” added Moore.
Miller mentioned that the demolition for the remaining portions of the bridge is set to begin this spring, and the construction process would begin immediately after. Pre-construction activities, which include drilling and home inspections for the surrounding communities, began on Jan. 8.
The bridge is expected to be completed and fully reopened by fall 2028, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
“Just shy of one year ago, I got a call in the middle of the night, and I learned that the Dali had slammed into the Key Bridge and brought it down,” said Moore. “In response to this horrible tragedy, that first morning, we laid out four key objectives.”
The objectives included locating all of the victims of the bridge collapse, clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore to vessel traffic, supporting those affected by the collapse such as dock workers and small businesses, and rebuilding the Key Bridge.
Moore highlighted the Unified Command’s ability to meet the first three goals swiftly.
“While many said it would take 11 months to reopen the Port of Baltimore, this team got it done in 11 weeks,” said Moore.
The governor also highlighted a proposed state funding for Tradepoint Atlantic’s $15 million container redevelopment project. Tradepoint Atlantic is a worldwide logistics center.
“It is going to increase the Port of Baltimore’s container capacity by 70 percent,” said Moore. “It will create more than 8,000 jobs and it will generate more than $1 billion in private investments.”
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld shared that there will be more opportunities for community engagement in the rebuilding process.
Wiedefeld said he is looking “forward to putting Baltimore’s mark on this bridge by working with communities with aesthetic designs such as lighting,” and “planned artwork for the bridge.”