The design concept for the replacement Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore has been revealed by officials in the US state of Maryland, with the project expected to cost US$1.7 billion. Maryland governor Wes Moore stated that the new design will be the state’s first highway cable-stayed bridge, constructed according to the most advanced industry standards and best infrastructure design practices.
Spanning the Patapsco River, the new bridge will replace the previous structure, which collapsed after being hit by a cargo vessel in March 2024. Although bridge officials managed to stop traffic before the ship impacted with the structure, six construction personnel carrying out road surface maintenance work were unable to escape and were killed.
Although the old bridge had passed safety checks it had been completed in the 1970s and its design did not provide protection against impacts by the large vessels now in use.
The MDTA has shared a digital rendering of the design for the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The new design has been developed jointly between MTDA and Kiewit Construction. Preparatory work for the new bridge has already commenced and the structure is expected to be complete by 2028.
