Rising materials costs and economic conditions have led Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) to double the forecast price range for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The new forecast of US$4.3 billion–US$5.2 billion is an increase on the April 2024 estimate of US$1.9 billion.
Visualisation of a cable-stayed bridge on the site of the Key Bridge. Credit: Key Bridge Rebuild
The project’s completion date has been moved forward to 2030, from autumn 2028.
MTA made the original projections a fortnight after the failure of the old bridge in March 2024. The subsequent collapse, caused by a ship strike, killed six workers, and the loss of the structure has had wider effects on the US economy.
The project awarded a fabrication contract worth US$35 million in October (link opens in new tab). The design-builder is Kiewit.
