Topline
Efforts are underway to clear the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Despite an ambitious timeline to
reopen the permanent channel to the port of Baltimore by the end of the month, rebuilding the bridge will not be quick,
according to White House officials. The White House has warned that the process will be challenging and expensive.
The rebuilding process for the Francis Scott Key Bridge will not be quick, easy, or cheap.
Key Facts
President Joe Biden visited Baltimore on Friday to assess the damage caused by the collapsed bridge. He affirmed that the
federal government will fully finance the reconstruction of the bridge.
Unified Command confirmed that the body of a third construction worker, identified as Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, was
recovered from the wreckage a week after the collapsed bridge incident. The remaining workers are presumed dead.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released ambitious timelines to reopen the Fort McHenry Channel by the end of May,
restoring access to the port.
Demolition crews have begun cutting the top portion of the north side of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Cranes continue salvage work as the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rests on the container ship Dali.
Wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rests on the container ship Dali.
A member of the USACE Catlett crew inspects the collapsed bridge.
Cranes continue salvage work.
Shipping containers are crushed as wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rests on the container ship.
The fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The Fort McHenry Channel to Baltimore’s port could be fully reopened by the end of May.
What To Watch For
The Maryland attorney general’s office is seeking lawyers to pursue potential litigation regarding the bridge’s collapse,
according to reports from the Baltimore Sun.
Big Number
The estimated cost to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a minimum of $400 million. The reconstruction process may take
anywhere between 18 months and seven years to complete, as per the Associated Press. The bridge, which was opened in 1977,
collapsed last month.
Key Background
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland was caused by a cargo ship, MV Dali, striking one of the piers. The
1.6-mile-long bridge plunged into the water, blocking the port of Baltimore and leaving numerous vessels stranded. The bridge
collapse has had a significant impact on the local supply chain and transportation companies, necessitating the involvement of
$950 million in emergency relief funds. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is underway to determine
the precise cause of the incident.
Tangent
Over 500 businesses affected by the bridge collapse have applied for long-term, low-interest loans through the Small Business
Administration. The impact of the collapse has been keenly felt by supply chain, logistics, and transportation companies
dependent on the port. Businesses from Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania are experiencing additional ripple effects.
Further Reading
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Over 500 Small Businesses Apply For Business Loans (Forbes)
Baltimore Bridge Collapses After It’s Struck By Ship (Forbes)
