Baltimore Bridge reconstruction planned over four years at a cost of $1.9 billion

The collapsed Baltimore bridge reconstruction is scheduled for the next four years with an estimated budget of $1.9 billion (€1.77bn), according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. The completion of the new structure is anticipated by autumn 2028. However, the current cost projections and design details are subject to change. 

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Baltimore Bridge reconstruction planned two months after the collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster occurred on March 26, leading to six fatalities and extensive damage. The remains of the fifth victim, Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, from Glen Burnie, Maryland, were recently found. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland sent his condolences and prayers to the families impacted by the incident. 

A container ship lost power and struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the collapse and the deaths of six construction workers on the bridge. Hispanic immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras made up all of the victims. 

Salvage operations have been ongoing, with the Dali container ship remaining stationary within the wreckage since the incident. Crews are working to refloat and remove the vessel, aiming to complete this task by next Friday. Once the ship is cleared, the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the U.S., can resume normal operations. 

Chubb, the company providing insurance for the bridge, is preparing a $350 million (€326m) payment to the state of Maryland, the first of several expected payouts related to the incident.