Contracts have been awarded for the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement project by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTDA). The new cable-stayed bridge will cost up to $1.9 billion and measure around 3.2km in total, providing a safer crossing for drivers than the earlier bridge spanning the Patapsco River.
The construction management and inspection services consultants will carry out duties such as inspections of construction, constructability reviews, scheduling and materials testing.
The new bridge will follow the same alignment as the collapsed structure and will feature a cable stayed design. However, it will feature significantly improved safety with protection for its supports to prevent damage in the event of an impact by a large vessel. The central span will be wider at 305m instead of the 213.4m of the collapsed bridge. It will also have a 70m clearance instead of 56m previously.
Demolition work for the remaining portions of the old bridge still standing will commence shortly. The collapsed sections were removed by Skanska last year, clearing the waterway for shipping traffic into and out from the Port of Baltimore.
