Replacement of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland could now cost as much as $5.2 billion. The bridge collapsed when a large container vessel collided with it. The vessel’s crew alerted the bridge authorities that the ship had lost power and steerage and traffic was stopped, but bridge workers carrying out maintenance were not able to escape and were killed by the collapse. An investigation into the cause of the fatal incident remains to be completed.
Higher material costs and the need for improved protection technology for the supports are major factors in the increased price of the project. It was originally expected to cost $1.9 billion to replace the bridge. Meanwhile, it now looks as if it will be 2030 before the new bridge will be completed. This is two years later than had originally been envisaged.
The project is being managed by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTDA). A joint venture comprising STV and Michael Baker International is providing construction management and inspection services to Kiewit and Bridging Maryland Partnership, which is a joint venture of RK&K, JMT and WSP for the design-build project.
Once the new bridge is complete, it will carry I-695 across the Patapsco River and will be tolled.The new 3.2km bridge is intended to use the same alignment as the collapsed structure but will now feature a modern cable stayed design. To prevent potential damage from vessels in the future it will benefit from special protection measures for its supports. The central span will be widened to 305m instead of the 213.4m of the collapsed bridge, while the clearance will be increased to 70m clearance instead of 56m previously.
