The Maryland Transportation Authority has a new approach to bidding the demolition and rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore with a total estimated cost of $4.3 billion to $5.2 billion.
Under the new plan, four separate contracts instead of one will be awarded: for demolition, building the south approach, building the north approach and building the main span.
Earlier this month, MDTA said it would not retain Kiewit Infrastructure Co. for Phase 2 of reconstructing the bridge, which was struck by a cargo ship in 2024 and collapsed, and would re-bid the project, following consultation with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
MDTA says the contracting change will increase bidding competition, local workforce opportunities and the speed in which contracts are awarded.
Here's a rundown of the new contracting plan for the bridge replacement project:
Demolition and Miscellaneous Marine Work: $50M-$100M
- Removal and salvage of two three-span steel plate girder units over the Patapsco River.
- Partial demolition of eight marine piers.
- Sub-aqueous demolition of three marine foundations.
- Full demolition of two land piers.
- Cleanout of 96-inch steel pipe piles.
Invitation for bids: Summer 2026
Anticipated Start of Construction: Fall 2026
South Land Approach: $300M-$400M
- Approx. 3,000 feet of approach bridge over land; abutments and retaining walls.
- Ground Improvements within wetland.
- Approximately 2,000 feet of on-grade approach roadway construction.
- Bioswales, grass swales and submerged gravel wetland.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems, electronic tolling and roadway/bridge lighting elements.
Invitation for Bids: Fall 2026 – Winter 2027
Anticipated Start of Construction: Spring 2027
North Land Approach: $200M-$300M
- Approximately 2,400 feet of approach bridge over land; abutments and retaining walls.
- Ground improvements at abutment.
- Approximately 3,400 feet of on-grade approach roadway construction.
- Bioswales, grass swales and submerged gravel wetland.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems, electronic tolling and roadway/bridge lighting elements.
Invitation for Bids: Winter 2027
Anticipated Start of Construction: Spring 2027
Main Span and Marine Approaches: $3.5B-$4B
- Cable-stayed bridge with 1,665-foot main span (3,365 feet total) with 230 feet minimum clearance over federal channel.
- Steel edge girder/floor beam system.
- Vessel collision pier protection.
- Approximately 660 feet of south approach bridge over river.
- Approximately 1,560 feet of north approach bridge over river.
Request for Qualifications: Summer 2026
Anticipated Start of Construction: Summer 2027
New Approach Follows Higher Costs, Delays
The new cost estimates are in line with the $4.3 billion to $5.2 billion updated price tag for replacing the Key Bridge that MDTA released in November. The preliminary estimate was $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion with opening in 2028.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had pushed for the contract to be rebid after “costs ballooned and timelines lagged” under Kiewit. MDTA previously stated Kiewit’s Phase 2 proposal was “unacceptable, far exceeding the state’s independent cost estimates,” and Maryland Governor Wes Moore directed MDTA to “off-ramp” Kiewit and seek other contractors.
Kiewit won the $73 million Phase 1 Progressive Design-Build contract for the bridge replacement in mid-2024 and received exclusive bidding rights for Phase 2. Kiewit's Phase 1 work, which includes driving foundation piles and building a temporary trestle, is expected to continue through the end of 2026.
The Key Bridge collapsed March 26, 2024, after the cargo ship Dali lost power twice in the Baltimore Port channel and crashed into it. The collapse killed six construction workers who were on the bridge.
Lawsuit Saga Continues
In other Key Bridge news, lawsuits are still progressing through the court system surrounding the fatal crash.
The owner and management companies of the Dali will pay the state of Maryland $2.25 billion, according to a settlement agreement.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice announced criminal charges against two of the ship's management companies and a technical superintendent for conspiracy, obstruction of justice and other charges.
Maryland State Attorney General Anthony Brown’s office has said it also plans to sue the Dali’s manufacturer, Hyundai Heavy Industries.
