ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland has unveiled the innovative design concept for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, signaling a major stride in restoring this vital Baltimore landmark. Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Transportation presented the new vision, emphasizing a future-focused approach to enhance accessibility, stimulate economic growth, and reconnect communities. This announcement marks significant progress in the multi-year project initiated after the tragic bridge collapse.
“Today represents a crucial step in our recovery from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, an event that deeply impacted both Maryland’s and the nation’s economy,” stated Governor Moore. “As we reveal the design for the new bridge, we remain committed to honoring the six Marylanders who tragically lost their lives while serving our state. Their legacy will continue to inspire us. Together, embodying ‘Maryland Tough’ and ‘Baltimore Strong,’ we will demonstrate our resilience to the world.”
Governor Moore was joined by prominent officials including Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller, Congresswoman Sarah K. Elfreth, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, among others, at the Baltimore announcement.
“From the heartbreaking early hours of March 26th, through the ensuing coordinated recovery, our state has shown unwavering perseverance, embodying Maryland toughness and Baltimore strength,” remarked Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller. “Today, standing near the Patapsco River, we advance our rebuilding efforts by unveiling plans for an exceptional engineering and transportation marvel. This new Francis Scott Key Bridge will not only oversee the harbor but also connect Marylanders to opportunities and facilitate vital commerce into our port.”
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a crucial artery for thousands of Maryland commuters and commercial vehicles daily, playing an essential role in the state’s transportation network. To expedite the restoration of this crucial link, the Maryland Transportation Authority collaborated with a progressive design-builder and a general engineering consultant. Their combined efforts aim to finalize the new design and complete essential pre-construction assessments by January 2025, ensuring a swift and efficient rebuilding process for this key piece of infrastructure.
Maryland is actively pursuing all available legal avenues to hold the DALI’s owner and manager accountable for the damages resulting from their negligence, including the complete cost of reconstructing the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The state aims to ensure that those responsible for the tragedy bear the financial burden of the damages they inflicted. The American Relief Act, passed by Congress with significant advocacy from the Moore-Miller Administration and Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, provides 100% federal funding for the reconstruction, contingent on any compensation received from the DALI, easing the financial impact on the state.
“With strong federal backing, we are proceeding full speed ahead with replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a project vital for all Marylanders, the Port of Baltimore, and the numerous jobs it supports,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “Team Maryland has united to reach this pivotal point, ensuring our state has the necessary resources for a cost-effective and efficient reconstruction plan. Today’s design unveiling marks another key step in Baltimore’s and Maryland’s comeback, almost a year after the tragic collapse. We are determined to rebuild stronger than before.”
“Today’s unveiling of the Francis Scott Key Bridge design exemplifies the strength inherent in Maryland and its people,” stated U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “We are dedicated to ensuring this rebuild is conducted safely and swiftly. As the new Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring Washington upholds its commitment to our state. Today, we also remember the six hardworking Marylanders who perished in the collapse, individuals who represented the best of our state. Their families remain in our thoughts throughout this rebuilding process.”
“The collapse of the bridge, a structure so essential to us, inflicted a deep wound on our harbor and community,” commented Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “Achieving this milestone required an unwavering, unified front across all levels of government. From the outset, Team Maryland pledged to rebuild this bridge, and today, we are delivering on that promise.”
“Following the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Team Maryland committed to rebuilding and recovering together,” stated Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “Today’s unveiling is a significant milestone on that path, and I eagerly anticipate the day we can once again look out over the Patapsco and see the Key Bridge standing tall.”
“The Key Bridge symbolized our community’s resilience and strength, making its collapse deeply painful and personal for many,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “We mourned the lives lost in this unimaginable tragedy and felt the uncertainty surrounding livelihoods in the aftermath. Today, we celebrate a crucial milestone as Baltimore does what it always does in tough times: rebuild together.”
“Tragic moments reveal the true spirit of both leaders and communities,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “The unveiling of the new Francis Scott Key Bridge design is a vital step in recovering from a profound tragedy for our city, state, and nation. It’s the result of a unified team working in complete alignment from day one. While we celebrate today, we must remember that this progress is rooted in the loss of six individuals who were working to improve our lives. This new bridge, beyond its aesthetic appeal, is poised to be a vital connector for our city to the world and a lasting memorial to those we lost.”
“The new Key Bridge design is envisioned as a gateway to Baltimore City, designed to connect communities and workers for generations to come,” stated Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary and Maryland Transportation Authority Board Chairman Paul J. Wiedefeld. “The design is optimized to meet the region’s needs by supporting growth at the Port of Baltimore and reconnecting communities. Residents, commuters, and businesses depend on us to restore the Baltimore Beltway as quickly as possible. This design achieves these objectives while allowing Baltimore to imprint its identity on its new bridge.”
“Rebuilding the Key Bridge is more than just replacing critical infrastructure; it’s about securing the mobility of Marylanders and investing in our state’s future,” said Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “Governor Moore’s directives have established a robust foundation, and we are dedicated to reconnecting, revitalizing, and reimagining the Key Bridge.”
“We are very pleased to mark this important milestone in the Key Bridge rebuilding process and commend the Moore administration, our Congressional delegation, and especially the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland Transportation Authority for reaching this objective in record time,” said Maryland Motor Truck Association Executive Vice President Armand Patella. “A process that typically takes years has advanced in mere months. The trucking community remains confident and eagerly anticipates the next phase of the project and the completion of the new bridge.”
Aerial rendering of the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement design, showcasing its significance as a Baltimore transportation landmark.
Moving forward with the new design concept, the project will proceed through final design stages and regulatory approvals before construction begins. The project team is committed to transparency and community involvement and has engaged with thousands of Marylanders through forums and updates. Public input will continue to be gathered on non-structural design aspects to ensure the bridge truly reflects the values and preferences of Marylanders.
Governor Moore also announced strategic investments aimed at bolstering the Port of Baltimore’s leading position on the East Coast. As part of his 2025 legislative agenda, the state plans to invest $15 million in Tradepoint Atlantic’s Terminal Container Project. This investment is projected to increase container capacity by 70%, attract over $1 billion in private sector investment, and generate more than 8,000 new jobs for Marylanders, further enhancing the economic impact of the Port of Baltimore and the surrounding region.
