Maryland to replace contractor on Key Bridge rebuild project

Victims of deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse remembered

The victims of the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse were remembered near the site where the bridge once stood.

BALTIMORE, MD. - The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will seek a new contractor for the next phase of the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction after determining that the current firm’s proposal was too costly, officials announced Tuesday.

The decision comes after negotiations with Kiewit Infrastructure Co. over Phase 2 construction failed to produce an agreement that met the state’s financial expectations.

State leaders said in the announcement that the company’s proposal significantly exceeded independent cost estimates, prompting a shift in strategy aimed at protecting taxpayers.

A Maryland Transportation Authority patrol boat makes a pass in the waters of the Patapco river near where crews were getting ready to conduct a controlled demolition of a section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge resting on the Dali container ship in

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"From the moment the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, I have been unequivocal: we will rebuild this bridge safely, quickly and cost-efficiently. And we will never settle for less," Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. 

6 construction workers killed

The backstory:

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after it was struck by a large container ship – the Dali – after the vessel lost power on the morning of March 26, 2024. 

Six construction workers were killed, and the Port of Baltimore was shut down for nearly three months.

NTSB on Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Investigation

The NTSB provided updates on the findings from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse Investigation.

Last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) pinpointed the cause of the power outage: an electrical terminal block that was not properly connected.

The Board also said that the workers may have had time to escape if there had been a proper warning system. Additionally, the Key Bridge’s safety barriers, known as "dolphins" that protect its pilings, were reportedly far too small. 

What's next:

State officials added that the change will not halt progress on the project.

Kiewit will continue its Phase 1 responsibilities, which include design work, foundation pile driving and construction of a temporary trestle. That work is expected to continue through at least the end of the year, officials said. 

Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson said the MDTA will work closely with federal partners to keep the project moving forward.

"The MDTA will continue to work in lockstep with the Federal Highway Administration to ensure the Key Bridge is rebuilt as quickly and as cost effectively as possible while keeping safety the priority," she said. "That is what Marylanders demand, and that is what Marylanders deserve."

The state plans to open a new procurement process for Phase 2 construction, with an industry forum scheduled for May to outline next steps and attract competitive bids.