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Design Unveiled to Replace Dali-Downed Bridge

[ February 28, 2025   //   ]

Maryland officials on Feb. 4 unveiled the new design concept for the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild, which will replace one of Baltimore’s most iconic transportation landmarks.
The design is a significant milestone in the multiyear project to restore the connection following the allision of the Singapore-flagged Dali with the iconic bridge in March 2024.
“Today, we take an important step toward recovering from the tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that has affected not just Maryland’s economy, but the nation’s economy,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. “While we mark the unveiling of the new bridge design, we continue to honor the six Marylanders who lost their lives while serving our state, and their families who carry their legacy forward.”
The Key Bridge connected thousands of Maryland commuters and commercial vehicles daily, serving a vital role in linking the state before the . The Maryland Transportation Authority partnered with the design-builder and a general engineering consultant to finalize the new design and complete critical pre-construction assessments in January.
The State of Maryland continues to pursue the Dali’s owner and manager, Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Private Ltd., for all damages caused by their negligence – including the cost to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Last year, Congress passed the American Relief Act – due in large part to the advocacy of the state’s administration and congressional delegation – which provides 100 percent federal funding subject to any compensation paid by the Dali.
The owner and manager in October agreed to pay nearly US$102 million to resolve a civil claim brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating whether the Dali had power-related issues before hitting the Key Bridge.
With the new design concept, the project will move forward with final design and regulatory approvals before initiating construction.
The governor also announced investments to strengthen the Port of Baltimore’s dominance on the East Coast. As part of the governor’s 2025 legislative agenda, the state would invest US$15 million in the Tradepoint Atlantic’s Terminal Container Project, increasing container capacity by 70 percent, generating more than US$1 billion in private sector investment, and producing more than 8,000 new jobs.

Key Bridge replacement design CAPTION: Kiewit Infrastructure was awarded the contract to design and build the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement. PHOTO: Getty Images/NPR

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