It’s been one year since a container ship collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the structure to collapse and tragically killing six workers.
“At 1:28 am on March 26, 2024 — a year ago — a tragedy struck Maryland. A container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. While many were asleep, the Key Bridge collapsed into the icy waters, killing six Maryland men,” said U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) from the Senate floor on the one-year anniversary.
While the incident left many families and friends mourning the loss of six lives, the fatal collision also became trying for Maryland and other states due to disruptions in transportation and trading and routes. The Army Corps of Engineers spent months clearing Baltimore’s shipping channel of debris.
Further, there’s still work to be done before full redevelopment efforts are complete post the collision.
“Team Maryland will rebuild, and we won’t rest until it’s done. We won’t rest because we are doing it for all of Maryland,” Alsobrooks continued. “The six Marylanders that lost their lives that day: José Mynor López, Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernández, and Miguel Ángel Luna González. The brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation. The strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse. The Marylanders who depend on our port for resources. The Marylanders who count on our infrastructure to stand strong.”
A November report highlighted that travel times have increased by several minutes in the Baltimore metropolitan area, particularly for commuters using the Fort McHenry Tunnel, and more accidents have occurred along corresponding routes.
“That kind of leads to the conversation about how important the bridge was,” said Baltimore Metropolitan Council Transportation Planning Director Todd Lang. “Even though it was one of the harbor crossings that had less traffic, closing the bridge just meant additional pressures on the tunnels.”
In addition, business owners in South Baltimore and Dundalk have reported lower sales, while residents note higher fuel costs.
Dundalk resident Pam Moffett, who works at the University of Maryland, saw her commute significantly increase. She is now renting an apartment in Berwyn Heights, much closer to her workplace, but feels disjointed to live between two homes.
“This is a life changer,” said Moffett. “I never would have bought my house here so far from work without that bridge.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) helped to secure the federal funding to rebuild the Key Bridge during the closing weeks of President Joe Biden’s (D) term.
In her speech from the Senate floor last week, Alsobrooks assured leaders and residents that the work to combat challenges as a result of the collision will serve as an inspiration for other jurisdictions.
“And when it’s completed, we will serve as an example, to the nation and the world,” Alsobrooks said, “of what teamwork and togetherness can achieve.”
Prince George’s County Health and Human Services Building Set to Open in Capitol Heights
The new Prince George’s Health and Human Services (HHS) building is set to open on April 1, aiding in the redevelopment of Capitol Heights’ Hampton Park.
The building will include several agencies, including the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, the Prince George’s County Health Department, and the State of Maryland Department of Social Services within one 115,000 square foot facility.
“This project embodies our vision of creating spaces that not only drive economic development but also serve the well-being of our community,” said Brandon Bellamy, CEO of The Velocity Companies. “Through this public-private partnership, we are investing in infrastructure that shapes a healthier, more connected, and more prosperous future of Prince George’s County.”
This project is a welcome development for Prince George’s County officials, including Office of Central Services Director Jonathan Butler.
“The HHS Building at Hampton Park is the result of intentional collaboration between the County and the private sector,” said Butler.
Hampton Park, a redevelopment site within the Blue Line corridor, will eventually add over 80,000 square feet of new retail, more than 400 market-rate residential units, a 120-room nationally branded hotel, and a variety of local amenities in conjunction with the new Health and Human Services building.
“This project reflects our continuing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality services,” said Butler, “while supporting local economic revitalization.”