The Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild project will begin in January, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).
Crews will begin on Jan. 7 with pre-construction activities, including surveying, scanning the riverbed and collecting soil samples. Demolition will begin in the spring.
Six road workers from Brawner Builders died when a cargo ship named the Dali crashed into the bridge in March. The bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River. Additionally commuters lost part of a critical highway.
The rebuild is expected to cost approximately $2 billion and could take four years to complete. However, the entire cost of the Key Bridge construction will be covered with federal funding.
Congress passed a new federal spending package on Dec. 20 that averted a government shutdown, and included the full bridge rebuilding cost in the $100 billion disaster relief portion.
"Maryland is proud and grateful that Congress has agreed to support 100% of the cost share to rebuild the Key Bridge," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. "This is a big deal for not just Maryland, but our nation's economy, and guarantees the four objectives we set for Maryland's recovery will be accomplished."
In August, MDTA approved a $73 million contract for Kiewit Infrastructure Company to design and construct a new Key Bridge.
Source: CBS News, WMAR
