Key Points About the Key Bridge Collapse and Reconstruction Efforts - Sobel Network Shipping Co., Inc.
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Key Points About the Key Bridge Collapse and Reconstruction Efforts

Posted on in Blog, English

Incident Overview

Three months ago, on March 26, the container ship Dali lost power and collided with a support pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse. The disaster resulted in the deaths of six construction workers, partial obstruction of Baltimore’s shipping channel until June, and the loss of one of the city’s three harbor crossings, significantly affecting traffic.

New Bridge Expected by 2028

The Maryland Transportation Authority aims to reopen the bridge by October 15, 2028. A request for proposals (RFP) was issued on May 31, and submissions were due on Monday. The selected builder, likely a consortium of companies, will be chosen by mid- to late summer. The authority has stated that incentives will be offered for early completion.

Bridge Design and Funding

While the specifics of the new bridge are not finalized, it is expected to be a cable-stayed design, lasting at least 75 years with four lanes of traffic, similar to the old bridge. President Joe Biden has pledged that the federal government will cover the estimated $1.7 billion cost. Maryland’s congressional leaders have introduced a bill to ensure full federal funding, but it has not yet passed. Cleanup costs have already exceeded initial estimates, with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard spending about $160 million.

NTSB Investigation

The cause of the Dali’s power loss is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), focusing on an electrical component on the ship. The NTSB’s analysis is expected to be completed next year.

Status of the Dali and Its Crew

The Dali, after spending two months grounded and entangled with bridge debris, was refloated and moved to the Port of Baltimore. It recently sailed to Norfolk, Virginia, for extensive repairs. Of the original 21 crew members from India and Sri Lanka, 10 have returned home. The remaining crew members are staying in Baltimore, with some traveling to Virginia for the ship’s repair.

Sources

  1. NYTimes – Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse: What We Know
  2. Baltimore Sun – Baltimore bridge collapse: Status of efforts to rebuild span
  3. CBS News – What to know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
  4. AP News – Dali cargo ship leaves Baltimore nearly 3 months after
  5. GazetteXtra – 5 things to know about Key Bridge collapse, efforts