Why It Matters
Two years after the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge killed six construction workers and blocked the Port of Baltimore, Maryland is making tangible progress on a replacement structure. The new bridge is central to restoring full operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports and reconnecting a vital transportation corridor.
What Happened
Construction crews are now driving steel foundation piles into the Patapsco River bed as part of the initial work on a new Francis Scott Key Bridge. Maryland officials, including Governor Wes Moore, are scheduled to mark the two-year anniversary of the March 2024 collapse during a commemoration event Thursday at the bridge site.
The original bridge collapsed in March 2024 after a container ship collision, killing six construction workers and shutting down the Port of Baltimore for weeks. By January 2026, crews had removed the concrete deck from all remaining portions of the old bridge. Some steel and concrete pier structures remain standing in the river, though land-based structures have been cleared.
By the Numbers
The Maryland Transportation Authority estimates the new bridge will cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion. The agency aims to open the two-mile cable-stayed structure to traffic by the end of 2030. Design plans are expected to be completed by June 2026, at which point cost and scheduling negotiations with contractor Kiewit will begin.
The Port of Baltimore handled approximately 50 million tons of cargo in 2025, marking the second-best year in the port’s history despite the disruption from the bridge collapse.
Zoom Out
The Key Bridge project represents one of the largest infrastructure rebuilds in recent U.S. history. The transportation authority has faced criticism for doubling initial cost estimates and extending original completion timelines. Complex site conditions, including a live federal navigation channel, have complicated design and construction planning.
Cable-stayed bridges, like the planned replacement, use towers and cables to support the deck, allowing for longer spans without intermediate supports. This design will reduce the risk of ship collisions while maintaining clearance for maritime traffic.
What’s Next
Completion of full design plans by June will trigger formal negotiations between the state and Kiewit on final costs and construction schedules. Foundation work will continue through 2026 as the project moves toward full-scale construction. Maryland officials will continue monitoring progress toward the 2030 target opening date while managing a project budget that has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and taxpayers.