BALTIMORE, MD News (7/23/2024) – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) have received pivotal federal environmental approvals for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has granted a Categorical Exclusion (CE) classification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project.
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The federal approval comes after a thorough review, concluding that the replacement bridge will remain within the original bridge’s right-of-way and maintain the same capacity of four travel lanes. Consequently, the project is not expected to significantly affect community, natural, or cultural resources. The official approval document is accessible online for public viewing.
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“Securing this approval marks a major milestone in rebuilding the Key Bridge and reconnecting communities following the March 26 catastrophic collapse,” stated Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Paul J. Wiedefeld. “This approval from the federal government formally gives MDTA the go-ahead to move forward with plans to rebuild the Key Bridge. Through Governor Wes Moore’s leadership and with close, continual coordination, the MDTA, SHA, and FHWA secured input from other state and federal partners to reach this critical step.”
The reconstruction of the Key Bridge is anticipated to bring substantial transportation and socioeconomic benefits by restoring a crucial link in the interstate system. The project is designed to:
- Not induce significant impacts on planned growth or land use in the area
- Avoid causing relocations of people or businesses
- Maintain travel patterns similar to those before the collapse
- Preserve historic, park, and recreational resources
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To expedite the project, the MDTA released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Friday, July 19, inviting consultant teams to submit proposals for the $75 million General Engineering Consultant contract. Interested bidders can access the RFP through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), with proposals due by Monday, August 19. The MDTA anticipates awarding the contract in February 2025. This contract will include a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 31.5%.
The selected consultant will act as the MDTA’s engineering representative, providing a range of support services, including risk management and analysis, cost and schedule tracking, project documentation management, liaison with environmental regulators, and oversight of DBE compliance. Additionally, the consultant will manage the Progressive Design-Builder, to be selected by the MDTA later this summer, by auditing the builder’s processes, reviewing submittals, and ensuring adherence to design criteria.
To facilitate the proposal process, the MDTA will host a pre-proposal conference on Friday, July 26, at 2 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Details for joining the conference are provided in the solicitation posted on eMMA.
As the planning and design phases progress, the MDTA is committed to engaging with the community about the future of the bridge. For more information on the rebuild efforts and upcoming community events, visit KeyBridgeRebuild.com.
The NEPA approval and subsequent steps demonstrate a coordinated effort to restore a vital infrastructure component, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment and community. The project aims to restore not only a physical bridge but also the vital connections it facilitates within the region.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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