Why has MDE and MDTA held public hearings about the Key Bridge Rebuild?
As part of the bridge demolition and rebuild processes, permits are needed from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and a license is needed from the Board of Public Works (BPW) for impacts to nontidal and tidal wetlands and waters. In certain circumstances, MDE requires a public hearing to gather information and hear testimony to assist in making a permit decision. MDE and MDTA has held these hearings and posted the information related to the needed permits and hearings on the Key Bridge Rebuild website (https://keybridgerebuild.com/environment) as well as MDE’s project website (https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/FrancisScottKeyBridge.aspx).
When will the new Key Bridge be open?
The MDTA and the Progressive Design-Builder are working to refine the cable-stayed bridge design and schedule. As soon as we have that information, we will make it public. We are committed to delivering the bridge as quickly and safely as possible.
What type of bridge will it be?
The new bridge will be Maryland's first highway cable-stayed bridge, which will consist of two lanes in each direction and have a minimum vertical clearance of 230 feet to support larger vessels. It will be constructed according to the most advanced industry standards and best infrastructure design practices. Cable-stayed bridges have proven to be the most economical for bridges with similar span lengths and allow for a faster construction time compared to other complex bridge types. The maintenance costs of cable-stayed bridges are also less than those of other comparable bridge types.
How many lanes will be on the new bridge?
There will be two 12-ft lanes with a 10-ft outside shoulder and a 4-ft insider shoulder in each direction, separated by a concrete median.
When will construction begin?
Pre-construction began in January 2025 and construction is expected to begin in Fall 2025.
Who is paying for the rebuild?
The full cost of the Key Bridge Rebuild will be covered by federal funding from a $100 billion disaster relief package, with the federal government covering 100% of the reconstruction costs.
How much will it cost to rebuild the Key Bridge?
The MDTA and the Progressive Design-Builder are working to refine the cost and schedule. As soon as we have that information, we will make it public. We are committed to delivering the bridge as quickly and safely as possible.
How will the new design prevent another bridge strike?
The bridge piers will be protected by massive protection structures, which will be designed per the latest American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications and follow best practices for modern vessel collision protection. Additionally, the main span length of the bridge has been increased to provide additional clearance from the shipping channel.
Where can I find commuting resources?
Visit Commuters Choice Maryland for free resources and incentives to support employees and employers.
Are there any job or contracting opportunities for local businesses?
Yes, visit the Progressive Design Build page on the Key Bridge Rebuild website for opportunities with the Contractor and upcoming bid opportunities.
What is the environmental impact of the rebuild?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) determined that the replacement Key Bridge will have limited environmental impacts, as it stays within MDTA’s right-of-way and maintains the same four-lane capacity.
How can we stay informed about the Key Bridge Rebuild Project?
The MDTA launched the Key Bridge Rebuild Project Website (keybridgerebuild.com) as a central hub for all project information. Stay updated by following @KeyBridgeRebuild on Facebook, joining the mailing list, and subscribing to text alerts for project updates and events. For questions or to request a project speaker, contact
Will there be a memorial?
Yes, there will be a memorial for the original Francis Scott Key Bridge and the six workers who lost their lives. Formal plans have not been finalized.
How will the construction of the new bridge impact waterway users?
The MDTA collaborates closely with state and local partners to minimize impacts on the Patapsco River and surrounding communities. Boat traffic is limited to the navigational channel near the construction site, and park access will remain open. Waterway users need to slow down and use extreme caution in and around the project area. Closures will be shared through U.S. Coast Guard 5th Coast Guard District Local Notices to Mariners, Broadcast Notices to Mariners, and Marine Safety Information Bulletins.
What has the project team done to begin rebuilding the Key Bridge?
- Environmental and Permitting Efforts: Coordinated with Federal and State partners to obtain all necessary permits
- Geotechnical Investigation: Extensive water-based borings of the Patapsco riverbed and land-based boring along the bridge alignment were completed to assess soil conditions and identify potential subsurface obstructions.
- Survey and Mapping: Collection of topographic data, right-of-way boundaries, and subsurface utility mapping to support detailed construction planning.
- Property Inspections: Completed 1121 property inspections and documentation to establish baseline conditions ahead of major construction activities.
- Noise and Vibration Monitoring: Installation of monitoring equipment in surrounding communities to capture baseline noise and vibration data prior to the start of test piles and full construction.
- Wind Tunnel Testing: Modeling real-world wind conditions to study the structures response in order to fine-tune the design.
- Scour Testing: Modeling how water moves around the foundation and piles to understand impacts to the riverbed.
How will the existing bridge structures be removed?
Demolition of the remaining Key Bridge structures—both on land and over water—will occur in phases beginning in summer 2025 and will take several months to complete. Heavy machinery will be used throughout the process, which will not involve controlled detonations.
Work will begin with the removal of the deck, barriers, and parapets over the river from both Hawkins Point and Sollers Point. Crews will then remove the deck, barriers, parapets, girders, and piers on the landside approaches, down to just below ground level, at both locations. The final step will be the removal of the original north and south abutments.
When will test pile driving begin?
Pile testing checks how strong and stable foundation supports (piles) are, to make sure they can safely hold up the structure. Periodic test pile driving is planned to begin in Summer 2025 and continue through Fall 2025. The results will guide the final design and construction of the main span foundations.