MDTA last week put out an RFP inviting design-build teams to submit proposals for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge; Feds aim for mid-June port channel reopening.
MDTA RFP on Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild
On May 31st, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) released its Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting design-build teams to submit proposals for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge and reconnecting the I-695 Baltimore Beltway. The MDTA is seeking proposals from qualified teams that advance the project’s goals of collaboration, schedule, safety, quality, cost, and aesthetics.
For this critical project, the MDTA is using a Progressive Design-Build process that brings on board a project designer and builder to work side-by-side, resulting in greater efficiencies. The MDTA is looking to foster collaboration among the project team, local communities and stakeholders, ensuring open communication and inclusive partnership opportunities, particularly for small and disadvantaged businesses. The project scope of work and accelerated timeline will require a substantial amount of skilled labor to complete the construction expeditiously, safely, and reliably.
Key Bridge Rebuild Milestone Dates:
- Proposals Due: Monday, June 24, 2024
- Project Team Selection: Mid-to-late Summer 2024
- Project Completion: Fall 2028
Port of Baltimore Main Channel Opening
As of May 20th, the Port of Baltimore limited access channel to a width of 400 feet and a depth of 50 feet. This allows for a limited number of deep-draft commercial vessels calling on the port. The US Army Corp of Engineers is on track to restore the channel to its original 700-foot width and 50-foot depth by approximately June 10th. This is an adjusted timeline of the original end-of-May deadline and accounts for the complexity of the cutting and rigging required to lift portions of the wreckage. It also accounts for safety measures and possible inclement weather, potentially impacting ongoing salvage operations.
According to the US Army Corp of Engineers,
“We are not taking our foot off the gas,” said Col. Estee S. Pinchasin, USACE, Baltimore District commander. “We are pushing forward as quickly and safely as possible to reach 700 feet and ensuring we remove all wreckage to prevent any impact to future navigation.”
Before the port can fully reopen, Unified Command will need to ensure that sufficient debris has been removed and that no remaining steel or concrete will impact future use of the channel.
