ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Maryland has announced plans to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge within just over four years at a projected cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, as stated by a state transportation official on Thursday.
The goal is to have a new span in place by the fall of 2028, according to David Broughton, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation. The cost estimate provided is preliminary, and specific engineering details are yet to be finalized.
Following the bridge collapse on March 26, which led to the shutdown of the port of Baltimore, salvage efforts are ongoing. Authorities confirmed late Wednesday the recovery of the fifth missing person’s body. The tragic incident occurred when a container ship lost power and collided with one of the bridge’s supporting columns, resulting in the deaths of six roadwork crew members. The victim recently found was identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, of Glen Burnie, Maryland. All the victims were Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
Governor Wes Moore expressed condolences, stating, “We continue to pray for Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, his family, and all those who love him, acknowledging the anguish they have experienced since the Key Bridge collapsed. We pray for comfort, healing, and peace in knowing that their loved one has finally come home.”
On Wednesday, salvage teams discovered one of the missing construction vehicles and located a body inside a red truck. Responding to the scene were Maryland State Police investigators, Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers, and the FBI, with assistance from the state police underwater recovery team and crime scene unit.
Meanwhile, the insurance broker for the bridge has confirmed a $350 million payout to Maryland, serving as the initial disbursement related to the collapse.
Chubb, the insurance company for the bridge, is making preparations for the $350 million payment, as verified by WTW, the broker. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, with Chubb yet to respond to inquiries.
The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that the state treasurer filed a claim on the day of the collapse “against our $350 million property policy and put on notice our $150 million liability policy first tier carrier on behalf of MDTA.”
“We expect the full property policy to be paid very shortly,” the agency stated in a press release.
Maryland transportation officials emphasized that the estimated cost for the bridge reconstruction aligns with similar projects of comparable scale and complexity. Federal funding, insurance reimbursements, and other resources will contribute to the rebuilding and recovery efforts. The state is exploring additional recovery avenues to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers and toll users.
The Dali container ship has remained immobile amidst the wreckage post-collapse, with plans underway to float and remove the vessel to restore maritime traffic flow through the Port of Baltimore. Officials anticipate completion by May 10, according to a Port of Baltimore update.
Salvage and demolition crews are actively working to clear debris from the collapse site, focusing on freeing the Dali from the steel span that encumbered the ship. Once accomplished, the vessel can be refloated and guided back to port, facilitating the resumption of maritime operations in the bustling East Coast harbor.
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