State Awards Contract on Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild

MDTA recently awarded Kiewit Infrastructure Co. a contract to complete the design and construction of the I—695 Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement.

The Chesapeake 1000 (“Chessy”) floating crane equipped with “Gus” the hydraulic grabber, wrestle a 90-ton piece of residual wreckage Friday morning, June 7, 2024, from the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. Taking roughly 45 minutes to unfold, Chessy and Gus slowly lift the mangled steel high above the Patapsco River, so a waiting barge can move underneath, allowing the wreckage to be safely lowered onto the barge for immediate processing by waiting hydraulic sheers. (U.S. Army photo by Bobby Petty)
The Chesapeake 1000 (“Chessy”) floating crane equipped with “Gus” the hydraulic grabber, wrestle a 90-ton piece of residual wreckage Friday morning, June 7, 2024, from the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. Taking roughly 45 minutes to unfold, Chessy and Gus slowly lift the mangled steel high above the Patapsco River, so a waiting barge can move underneath, allowing the wreckage to be safely lowered onto the barge for immediate processing by waiting hydraulic sheers. (U.S. Army photo by Bobby Petty)

Late last week, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board approved a $73 million contract (Phase 1) that awards Kiewit Infrastructure Co. as the Progressive Design-Builder that will undertake the complete design and construction of the I- 695 Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement. The MDTA selection committee evaluated proposals, and the contract was awarded to the proposal deemed most advantageous to the State. The rebuild project is slated to begin in 2025 and the replacement bridge is expected to open in Fall 2028.

For this critical project, the MDTA is using a Progressive Design-Build process, which brings on board a project delivery team under one entity and a single contract to provide both design and construction services. The MDTA will work 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.

The two-phase Progressive Design-Build process emphasizes cooperation and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and changes. The process involves a single contract that unites MDTA with Kiewit, which includes contractor and designer roles. Kiewit was procured as a qualified team for initial services to develop the project scope and requirements in collaboration with MDTA and project stakeholders. Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Kiewit will have exclusive negotiating rights for Phase 2, which includes project final design/engineering and construction. In the event a guaranteed maximum price is not agreed upon, the MDTA will deliver the work under a separate contracting mechanism.

The MDTA Board also approved the temporary suspension of toll collection on I-695/Exit 44 turnaround until the completion of the rebuild project. The MDTA began this pilot program in May to mitigate the effect on local traffic while providing truck and commercial vehicles with direct and easy access to the Port of Baltimore, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding communities and traffic. The MDTA is dedicated to creating a safer, more efficient transportation environment for all users, and recognizes this initiative will benefit customers.

Check out KeyBridgeRebuild.com for more information.

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