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NBC News
05-02-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Designs unveiled for replacement of Baltimore bridge almost a year after deadly collapse
SPARROWS POINT, Md. — Almost a year after the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, Maryland officials on Tuesday unveiled their designs for its replacement, which will be taller and better protected against ship strikes. Construction of the state's first cable-stayed bridge could be completed in 2028 and cost upwards of $1.7 billion. With its graceful outline and delicate design, officials said the new bridge will modernize Baltimore's skyline, becoming a symbol of resilience, progress and economic growth. The design features two towers with cables radiating down to the deck. 'This is a great day for the state of Maryland,' Gov. Wes Moore said at a news conference late Tuesday morning. 'But it's not lost on me that today's triumph was born out of tragedy.' The original Key Bridge, a 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) steel span at the mouth of Baltimore's harbor, took five years to construct and opened to traffic in 1977. It connected various port-oriented industrial communities around Baltimore and allowed drivers to easily bypass downtown. The bridge was destroyed when a massive container ship lost power and slammed into one of its supporting columns. The March 26 collapse killed six construction workers who were filling potholes when the structure crumbled beneath them. Baltimore's port was closed for months after the collapse, and increased traffic congestion remains a problem for drivers across the region. Officials quickly promised to rebuild the bridge — a longstanding Baltimore landmark and vital piece of transportation infrastructure. Demolition of the remaining pieces will take place this spring, with construction of its replacement to follow, officials said Tuesday. They held Tuesday's news conference at Tradepoint Atlantic, a shipping hub in the Port of Baltimore that played a major role in cleanup and recovery efforts following the collapse. The facility is revitalizing the site of a former Bethlehem Steel plant just northeast of Baltimore as maritime shipping continues to fuel the regional economy. 'Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world. We get cars from Michigan out to market. We bring sugars and spices to Louisiana. We haul farm equipment from the East Coast deep into the heartland,' Moore said. 'Commerce and trade are the bedrock of our state, and we will continue to make investments that honor our tradition.' In August, the state awarded a $73 million contract for the first phase of the rebuild to Kiewit Infrastructure, a major construction and engineering firm. Officials said the project would advance in two phases, with the first focusing on the design work and other necessary steps before construction begins. Moore promised to 'employ many Marylanders' throughout the process. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the design will include the latest in pier protection technology, which has become increasingly important as ships keep getting bigger and carrying more cargo. The bridge will also be taller to provide more clearance. He said the plans were developed with the project's cost and construction timeline in mind. 'While this is a beautiful bridge, it will also be a working bridge for a working city,' Wiedefeld said. The federal government has agreed to cover the full price tag for rebuilding. Congress recently passed a spending bill that included a funding provision for the project. Officials have said they expect that federal taxpayers will eventually be made whole through insurance payouts and damages, but that could take a while. A sprawling civil case will ultimately determine the assignments of liability in what could become one of the most expensive maritime disasters in U.S. history. The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its final report on the collapse, though officials said a loose cable in the ship's electrical switchboard likely contributed to its power issues. Federal agents boarded the cargo ship Dali amid a criminal investigation last year.
CBS News
05-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to deliver his State of the State address on Wednesday
BALTIMORE -- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is set to deliver his third State of the State address Wednesday afternoon from the House Chamber of the Maryland State House. The governor is expected to discuss his plans, priorities and budget for Maryland. Key Bridge design unveiled On Tuesday, Gov. Moore and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) unveiled the design for the newly constructed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed on March 26, 2024. The cargo ship Dali lost power before crashing into the bridge, causing it to collapse and sending seven workers into the Patapsco River, killing six of them. Moore says the newly proposed bridge design will honor the architectural tradition of the original Key Bridge. "Our new bridge will also be constructed in accordance with the most advanced industry standards and the very best in infrastructure design," Moore said. "We are going to use the best materials available and employ many Marylanders to build it." Pre-construction began in January 2025, and the rebuild is expected to be completed by fall 2028. Kiewit Infrastructure estimated that the project will cost about $2 billion. Officials say the cable stay design of the new bridge will allow the federal shipping channel to expand from 700 ft. to 1,000 ft. wide. The base of the bridge will also be raised to 230 ft., which is a 45-foot increase to accommodate ship traffic. The roadway will still be two lanes wide going in each direction. "We're basically taking the best of the best that we can find, but we're also very focused on the time to redo this bridge," MDOT Sec. Paul Wiedefeld said. Overcoming $2.7 billion deficit Moore recently broke down his FY2026 budget that would trim taxes to 66% of Marylanders. The governor says the plan, part of a broader budget strategy that includes $2 billion in spending cuts, aims to relieve middle-class families while asking more from those earning over $500,000 annually. Individuals making more than $1 million would see the largest tax increases. Maryland is figuring out ways to alleviate the state's $2.7 billion deficit, its largest in 20 years. Moore compared the state's massive shortfall to worse than the Great Depression. "I inherited a structural deficit when I became the governor because the state was both spending at a clip of what that was not sustainable, and we were growing at a clip that was embarrassing," Moore said. The state is legally required to pass a balanced budget, and the legislature will likely vote on the 83rd day of the session, on April 1, 2025. Proposed investments also include the following: $750 million for economic and workforce development, including 128.5 million of targeted business development investments. $27.5 million to invest in the "Capital of Quantum" initiative in partnership with IonQ in College Park and the University of Maryland. According to Moore, investing in the quantum computer industry. $25 million for the state's "Sunny Day Fund" to attract businesses to the state. $15 million to support Tradepoint Atlantic's new terminal development in Sparrow's Point. $6 million for the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program Other investments in cyber, bio, and apprenticeship programs. Maintain $122 million in local aid for police protection. Increase funding for the Department of Juvenile Services. Investments in public education and childcare. Deadly overdose decline Moore said Maryland had a sharp decline in deadly overdoses in 2024. Data from Maryland's Overdose Data Dashboard shows 1,553 reported fatal overdoses in the state last year, which is a 38% decrease from the 2,511 fatal overdoses in 2023. "The decrease in fatal overdoses that we're seeing in Maryland is historic, and it's proof that our investments in behavioral health and substance use care and the incredible efforts of people all around our state are paying off," Moore said. "However, we still have work to do. We are still losing far too many of our loved ones and neighbors to preventable overdoses, and we will not let up in our efforts to meet people where they are and make connections to care." According to the data dashboard, Black individuals accounted for 44% of overdose deaths in Maryland since 2022, and Black men older than 55 years of age saw the highest rate of increase in overdose deaths. Overdose deaths among Hispanic residents under age 25 have surpassed those of both white and Black residents in the same age group since 2023, according to the report.
Washington Post
04-02-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Designs unveiled for replacement of Baltimore bridge almost a year after deadly collapse
SPARROWS POINT, Md. — Almost a year after the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge , Maryland officials on Tuesday unveiled their designs for its replacement, which will be taller and better protected against ship strikes. Construction of the state's first cable-stayed bridge could be completed in 2028 and cost upwards of $1.7 billion. With its graceful outline and delicate design, officials said the new bridge will modernize Baltimore's skyline, becoming a symbol of resilience, progress and economic growth. The design features two towers with cables radiating down to the deck. 'This is a great day for the state of Maryland,' Gov. Wes Moore said at a news conference late Tuesday morning. 'But it's not lost on me that today's triumph was born out of tragedy.' The original Key Bridge, a 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) steel span at the mouth of Baltimore's harbor, took five years to construct and opened to traffic in 1977. It connected various port-oriented industrial communities around Baltimore and allowed drivers to easily bypass downtown. The bridge was destroyed when a massive container ship lost power and slammed into one of its supporting columns. The March 26 collapse killed six construction workers who were filling potholes when the structure crumbled beneath them. Baltimore's port was closed for months after the collapse, and increased traffic congestion remains a problem for drivers across the region. Officials quickly promised to rebuild the bridge — a longstanding Baltimore landmark and vital piece of transportation infrastructure. Demolition of the remaining pieces will take place this spring, with construction of its replacement to follow, officials said Tuesday. They held Tuesday's news conference at Tradepoint Atlantic , a shipping hub in the Port of Baltimore that played a major role in cleanup and recovery efforts following the collapse. The facility is revitalizing the site of a former Bethlehem Steel plant just northeast of Baltimore as maritime shipping continues to fuel the regional economy. 'Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world. We get cars from Michigan out to market. We bring sugars and spices to Louisiana. We haul farm equipment from the East Coast deep into the heartland,' Moore said. 'Commerce and trade are the bedrock of our state, and we will continue to make investments that honor our tradition.' In August, the state awarded a $73 million contract for the first phase of the rebuild to Kiewit Infrastructure, a major construction and engineering firm. Officials said the project would advance in two phases, with the first focusing on the design work and other necessary steps before construction begins. Moore promised to 'employ many Marylanders' throughout the process. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the design will include the latest in pier protection technology, which has become increasingly important as ships keep getting bigger and carrying more cargo. The bridge will also be taller to provide more clearance. He said the plans were developed with the project's cost and construction timeline in mind. 'While this is a beautiful bridge, it will also be a working bridge for a working city,' Wiedefeld said. The federal government has agreed to cover the full price tag for rebuilding. Congress recently passed a spending bill that included a funding provision for the project. Officials have said they expect that federal taxpayers will eventually be made whole through insurance payouts and damages, but that could take a while. A sprawling civil case will ultimately determine the assignments of liability in what could become one of the most expensive maritime disasters in U.S. history. The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its final report on the collapse, though officials said a loose cable in the ship's electrical switchboard likely contributed to its power issues. Federal agents boarded the cargo ship Dali amid a criminal investigation last year.
The Independent
04-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Designs unveiled for replacement of Baltimore bridge almost a year after deadly collapse
Almost a year after the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, Maryland officials on Tuesday unveiled their designs for its replacement, which will be taller and better protected against ship strikes. Construction of the state's first cable-stayed bridge could be completed in 2028 and cost upwards of $1.7 billion. With its graceful outline and delicate design, officials said the new bridge will modernize Baltimore's skyline, becoming a symbol of resilience, progress and economic growth. The design features two towers with cables radiating down to the deck. 'This is a great day for the state of Maryland,' Gov. Wes Moore said at a news conference late Tuesday morning. 'But it's not lost on me that today's triumph was born out of tragedy.' The original Key Bridge, a 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) steel span at the mouth of Baltimore's harbor, took five years to construct and opened to traffic in 1977. It connected various port-oriented industrial communities around Baltimore and allowed drivers to easily bypass downtown. The bridge was destroyed when a massive container ship lost power and slammed into one of its supporting columns. The March 26 collapse killed six construction workers who were filling potholes when the structure crumbled beneath them. Baltimore's port was closed for months after the collapse, and increased traffic congestion remains a problem for drivers across the region. Officials quickly promised to rebuild the bridge — a longstanding Baltimore landmark and vital piece of transportation infrastructure. Demolition of the remaining pieces will take place this spring, with construction of its replacement to follow, officials said Tuesday. They held Tuesday's news conference at Tradepoint Atlantic, a shipping hub in the Port of Baltimore that played a major role in cleanup and recovery efforts following the collapse. The facility is revitalizing the site of a former Bethlehem Steel plant just northeast of Baltimore as maritime shipping continues to fuel the regional economy. 'Maryland is a bridge between America and the rest of the world. We get cars from Michigan out to market. We bring sugars and spices to Louisiana. We haul farm equipment from the East Coast deep into the heartland,' Moore said. 'Commerce and trade are the bedrock of our state, and we will continue to make investments that honor our tradition.' In August, the state awarded a $73 million contract for the first phase of the rebuild to Kiewit Infrastructure, a major construction and engineering firm. Officials said the project would advance in two phases, with the first focusing on the design work and other necessary steps before construction begins. Moore promised to 'employ many Marylanders' throughout the process. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the design will include the latest in pier protection technology, which has become increasingly important as ships keep getting bigger and carrying more cargo. The bridge will also be taller to provide more clearance. He said the plans were developed with the project's cost and construction timeline in mind. 'While this is a beautiful bridge, it will also be a working bridge for a working city,' Wiedefeld said. The federal government has agreed to cover the full price tag for rebuilding. Congress recently passed a spending bill that included a funding provision for the project. Officials have said they expect that federal taxpayers will eventually be made whole through insurance payouts and damages, but that could take a while. A sprawling civil case will ultimately determine the assignments of liability in what could become one of the most expensive maritime disasters in U.S. history. The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its final report on the collapse, though officials said a loose cable in the ship's electrical switchboard likely contributed to its power issues. Federal agents boarded the cargo ship Dali amid a criminal investigation last year.
