AASHTO Journal - Maryland Approves Design Contract for New Key Bridge

The Maryland Transportation Authority or MDTA – a division of the Maryland Department of Transportation – recently approved a $73 million contract with Kiewit Infrastructure Co. to undertake the complete design of a replacement for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed after a container ship struck a key structural pylon on March 26.

[Above photo by the Maryland DOT]

The MDTA added in a statement that the Francis Scott Key rebuild project is slated to begin in 2025, with a replacement bridge expected to open in the fall of 2028.

[Editor’s note: The Port of Baltimore fully reopened on June 12 following the removal of the last of the Francis Scott Key Bridge debris. More than 1,500 people from federal, state, and local agencies contributed to the reopening of the main shipping channel, including 500 specialists operating dozens of pieces of equipment, the Maryland DOT said.]

The agency noted that it is using a two-phase “Progressive Design-Build” process for this rebuild effort, which brings on board a project delivery team – in this case, Kiewit – under a single contract to provide both design and construction services.

Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Kiewit will have exclusive negotiating rights for Phase 2, which includes project final design/engineering and construction. In the event a guaranteed maximum price is not agreed upon, the MDTA will deliver the work under a separate contracting mechanism.

The MDTA also approved the temporary suspension of toll collection on I-695/Exit 44 turnaround until the completion of the rebuild project; part of a pilot program started in May to mitigate the effect on local traffic while providing truck and commercial vehicles with direct and easy access to the Port of Baltimore, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding communities and traffic.

The agency added that in July, the Federal Highway Administration issued a “Categorical Exclusion” classification and National Environmental Policy Act approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project.

The federal agency determined that because the replacement bridge will be within the former bridge’s right-of-way and have the same capacity of four travel lanes, it is not anticipated to significantly impact the local community, or any natural or cultural resources.

The MDTA added that it released a “Request for Proposals” in July for a general engineering consultant, who will serve as the agency’s engineering representative for the bridge rebuild initiative. The MDTA expects to award the $75 million contract in January 2025.