The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has announced that the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild project will commence in January.
Officials have scheduled pre-construction activities for Jan. 7, with crews conducting surveys, scanning the riverbed, and collecting soil samples. Demolition should start in the spring.
The project follows the catastrophic collapse of the bridge in March, when the cargo ship Dali struck the structure, killing six workers from Brawner Builders and cutting off a critical highway connection. The Patapsco River incident is one of modern history’s most devastating maritime disasters, with widespread economic and infrastructural consequences.
The rebuild is expected to cost $2 billion and take approximately four years to complete. Thanks to a federal spending package passed by Congress on Dec. 20, which averted a government shutdown, federal disaster relief funding will cover the entire cost. The bill allocated $100 billion for disaster recovery, including the full funding for the Key Bridge reconstruction.
“Maryland is proud and grateful that Congress has agreed to support 100% of the cost share to rebuild the Key Bridge,” Gov. Wes Moore said. “This is a big deal for not just Maryland, but our nation’s economy, and guarantees the four objectives we set for Maryland’s recovery will be accomplished.”
Design and Safety Measures Underway
In August, MDTA awarded Kiewit Infrastructure Company a $73 million contract to design and construct the new Key Bridge.
This month, a design-build team will inspect approximately 1,100 homes and businesses near the rebuild area. These voluntary and free inspections ensure that nearby structures remain safe during construction.
“This action affirms the central importance of rebuilding the bridge not just to Maryland but the nation,” Moore added. “This bipartisan agreement is a win for port workers, truckers, small businesses, service members, and working families throughout Maryland and across America. And while the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge happened during our time in office, we will rebuild it on our watch.”
Fallout from the Dali Collision
The Dali, a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel operated by Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., collided with the Key Bridge on March 26, causing its collapse. The incident temporarily shut down the Port of Baltimore and led to extensive economic losses.
The Justice Department sued Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, alleging negligence in addressing mechanical and crew-related issues that could have prevented the crash.
In a settlement, the companies agreed to pay $103 million to federal agencies affected by the disaster, far exceeding the $43.6 million liability cap they initially sought. Additional lawsuits from the state of Maryland and other affected parties are ongoing, with the first trial scheduled for June 2026 in U.S. District Court.
If the court rules in favor of Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, liability claims could be capped, potentially ending many lawsuits. However, a ruling against them could open the door to further financial compensation.
Investigations Continue
The FBI announced a criminal investigation to determine whether Dali’s crew knowingly departed the port with serious mechanical issues. At the same time, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it would investigate the causes of the vessel’s failures. The NTSB has yet to release its final report.
“This tragedy was a defining moment, but our response will define Maryland’s future,” Moore said.