The Baltimore Key Bridge replacement project has advanced with a crucial £55M contract secured.
- Kiewit Infrastructure has been appointed as the design-builder for the collapsed Key Bridge replacement.
- The original bridge, a significant steel arch-shaped truss structure, was destroyed in an incident.
- The project is expected to cost up to £1.5bn and could take four years to complete.
- Construction is set to commence in 2025 with the new bridge opening targeted for late 2028.
In a significant development for Baltimore’s infrastructure, a £55M contract has been awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure for the first phase of replacing the collapsed Key Bridge. This project, overseen by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), marks a pivotal step in addressing the substantial damage caused when the bridge, a 2.63km long continuous truss structure with a noteworthy 366m span, was struck by a container ship.
The selection of Kiewit Infrastructure as the progressive design-builder highlights the move towards integrating design and construction services under one entity. This approach was chosen as the most advantageous for the state, underscoring the importance of streamlined project delivery within the designated timeline. The preliminary estimations place the total reconstruction expenses between £1.25bn and £1.5bn, subject to further detailed engineering assessments.
The MDTA’s commitment to an efficient timeline is reflected in the setting of an ambitious opening goal. The process for selecting the design-builder involved rigorous evaluation, ensuring that Kiewit was the notable choice for this significant endeavour. The bridge, upon completion of Phase 1, will proceed to Phase 2, for which Kiewit will have exclusive negotiating rights, emphasising their integral role throughout the project’s lifecycle.
The tender expectations outlined by the MDTA include a £52M cost for the design phase and £780M for the actual construction. These figures are indicative of the formidable task ahead, with construction slated to begin in 2025 and an expected completion and opening by autumn 2028. The strategic plan ensures that by 15 October 2028, all bridge lanes will be operational, thereby fulfilling a critical transportation requirement for the area.
Further progression involves the engagement of a general engineering consultant by January 2025, a move that aims to solidify the engineering integrity of the project. This consultancy role, valued at £57M, represents another critical facet in ensuring the project’s success and alignment with MDTA’s stringent standards.
The replacement of Baltimore’s Key Bridge is poised to enhance the city’s infrastructure resilience.
