Last Portion Of Baltimore’s Key Bridge Removed, Main Channel To Reopen This Weekend

Salvage crews have finally removed the final large steel truss of the collapsed Key Bridge, blocking the 700-foot-wide Fort McHenry Federal Channel in Baltimore.

The final pieces of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, known as “Section 4C”, were carefully removed on June 3-4, 2024.

The salvage crews carefully extracted tons of concrete roads, cable, and steel rebar from the submerged truss segment using concrete breakers, oxyacetylene torches, and underwater surveys.

Debris was meticulously removed with clamshell dredges to ensure the channel’s integrity.

The Army Corps of Engineers described the operation as “extensive”, presenting various challenges.

Sections of the bridge were severely lodged in the river mudline, necessitating extra effort to remove them.

The procedure required rigorous “shaking and hammering” to remove the steel from its muddy encasement.

The Army Corps spokesperson emphasised the significance of the accomplishment by stating that the final truss lifting is a crucial step toward reopening the federal navigation channel.

With the final debris removed, the focus is now on the final phase of the operation, which involves dredging and a thorough evaluation of the channel to ensure its safety.

Although no official date has been given, reports indicate that the finishing works will be completed between June 8 to 10, 2024.

The Federal Channel had already been partially cleared, allowing limited access over its 400-foot width and 50-foot depth.

However, completing the salvage activities will restore complete navigation capabilities, allowing deep-draft commercial vessels to access the Port of Baltimore.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, which killed six construction workers, prompted a remarkable display of resilience and determination in the recovery process.

Baltimore officials commended the rapid progress, adding that the work would be completed in about 80 days following the accident.

Maryland’s Transportation Authority has launched replacement plans by requesting proposals.

The submission deadline is June 24, 2024, with plans to select a contractor this summer.

The final design is expected to be selected within the following year.

The new bridge, which will cost $1.7 billion, is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2028.

As salvage personnel complete their work and the channel prepares to reopen, the attention switches to rebuilding and maintaining the safety and resilience of Baltimore’s critical infrastructure in the future.

Reference: USACE Baltimore

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