Infrastructure

Kiewit Picked for $1.2bn Key Bridge Reconstruction

Kiewit Corporation will oversee both the design and construction of the new bridge.

Updated on

September 17, 2024

Kiewit Corporation has been selected to design and construct a new bridge to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which collapsed in March.

The collapse occurred after the cargo ship Dali struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the historic four-lane span to fall into the Patapsco River.

The 2.6km bridge was a crucial route for Baltimore traffic.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board has awarded Kiewit a $73 million contract for Phase 1 of the replacement project. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Kiewit will oversee both the design and construction of the new bridge.

The estimated total cost for the project is $1.7 billion.

It will be funded through insurance proceeds, available cash, bond financing, litigation recoveries, and federal funds.

Work is expected to begin in 2025, and the opening of the new bridge is foreseen in fall 2028.

The MDTA has chosen a progressive design-build process, which “emphasizes cooperation and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and changes,” MDTA said in a press release.

At the end of Phase 1, Kiewit will have the exclusive right to negotiate Phase 2, which encompasses final design, engineering, and construction.

Kiewit will collaborate with the authority and other stakeholders to define the project scope and requirements.

“The project scope of work and accelerated timeline will require a substantial amount of skilled labour to complete the construction expeditiously, safely and reliably,” according to the release.

The new bridge, which will be constructed within the existing footprint and maintain the same four-lane capacity, is not expected to significantly impact community, natural, or cultural resources.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, after the Dali cargo ship smashed into it, plunging cars and people into the water.

The collapse, which killed at least six people—all part of a construction crew fixing potholes on site—led to the closure of the busy Port of Baltimore.

Video footage from the incident showed the bridge crumbling instantly after the cargo ship hit one of its pillars.

The ship, which was chartered by A.P. Moller – Maersk, appeared to lose power twice as it travelled down the channels, and its speed fell to 15km/hr., which can still cause major damage in a collision.