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Baltimore Channel to Reopen by May, Corps

[ April 12, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to open a limited access channel to safe navigation in and out of the Port of Baltimore by May, as wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge is cleared away.
The Corps’ Baltimore District continues working with local, state and federal partners to clear the wreckage along the Fort McHenry Channel following the collapse of the bridge, which was struck by the 9,971-TEU Dali, chartered by A.P. Moller – Maersk on March 26.
Following detailed studies and engineering assessments by local, state and federal organizations, in collaboration with industry partners, the Corps said it expects to open a limited access channel 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, which would support one-way traffic in and out of the port for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment to and from the port.
USACE engineers are aiming to reopen the permanent, 700-foot-wide by 50-foot-deep federal navigation channel by the end of May, restoring port access to normal capacity.
Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, the Corps’ commanding general, called the timelines “ambitious,” and efforts may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage.
“Thanks to the exhaustive work of the Unified Command during the last two weeks, including underwater surveys and detailed structural analysis of the wreckage, we’ve developed a better understanding of the immense and complex work that lies ahead,” Spellmon said.
“We are working quickly and safely to clear the channel and restore full service at this port that is so vital to the nation. At the same time, we continue to keep faith with the families of the missing and are working with our partners to help locate and recover their loved ones,” he said.

Tags: Port of Baltimore