Maryland Transportation Authority Unveils Four-Part Strategy for Key Bridge Reconstruction

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has announced a strategic approach to rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, dividing the massive undertaking into four distinct procurement contracts. This decision, revealed during a virtual industry forum, aims to foster broader competition among contractors, create more opportunities for the local workforce, and ultimately accelerate the awarding of new contracts. While these procurements are underway, critical work on the project will continue. Kiewit Infrastructure Co. is expected to complete its current contracted tasks, including driving permanent foundation piles and constructing the over-water work platform, through at least the end of the year.

The four planned contracts encompass a range of specialized work. The first contract will focus on the demolition of the remaining structures over the Patapsco River, along with miscellaneous marine work. This will involve the removal and salvage of two three-span steel plate girder units, partial demolition of eight marine piers, sub-aqueous demolition of three marine foundations, and the full demolition of two land piers. The scope also includes the clean-out of 96-inch steel pipe piles. The anticipated cost for this demolition and marine work is between $50 million and $100 million, with an Invitation for Bids expected in the summer of 2026 and construction commencing in the fall of the same year.

Two separate contracts will address the construction of the land approaches to the new bridge. The south land approach contract involves the construction of 3,000 feet of approach bridge over land, including abutments and retaining walls, as well as ground improvements within a wetland area. This contract also includes 2,000 feet of on-grade approach roadway, the implementation of bioswales, grass swales, and submerged gravel wetland systems, and the integration of intelligent transportation systems, electronic tolling, and roadway/bridge lighting. The estimated cost for this segment is between $300 million and $400 million, with bids to be solicited between fall 2026 and winter 2027, and construction beginning in spring 2027.

Simultaneously, the north land approach contract will cover the construction of 2,400 feet of approach bridge over land, featuring abutments and retaining walls, and ground improvements at the abutment. This contract also includes 3,400 feet of on-grade approach roadway, along with the installation of bioswales, grass swales, submerged gravel wetlands, intelligent transportation systems, electronic tolling, and lighting elements. This portion of the project is estimated to cost between $200 million and $300 million, with an Invitation for Bids scheduled for winter 2027 and construction anticipated to start in spring 2027.

The most substantial contract will be for the construction of the main span and marine approaches. This contract will involve building a cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 1,665 feet and a total length of 3,365 feet, providing a minimum clearance of 230 feet over the federal channel. The design includes a steel edge girder and floor beam system, and crucially, vessel collision pier protection. The marine approaches will consist of a 660-foot south approach bridge over the river and a 1,560-foot north approach bridge over the river. The estimated cost for this monumental undertaking is between $3.5 billion and $4 billion. A Request for Qualifications for this contract is slated for summer 2026, with construction projected to begin in summer 2027.

The anticipated cost ranges for these procurements align with previous estimates provided in November 2025, with the MDTA expressing confidence in these figures. A definitive construction timeline will be established once the competitive procurement processes are finalized and contracts are officially awarded. Further details about the overall project are available on the dedicated website, keybridgerebuild.com. Residents can expect significant infrastructure development and potential impacts on local transportation networks throughout the reconstruction period.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Transportation Authority

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