Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Estimate Rises as Politicization Continues

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild could exceed previous cost assessments and total over $5 million, according to POLITICO, potentially complicating an already politicized project.

The amount is more than double the $1.9 billion Maryland officials estimated soon after the span fell into the Patapsco River last year. Six construction workers were killed when a mammoth container ship struck the bridge in March 2024 and the Port of Baltimore closed for more than a month.

It is unclear how the potential cost increase could affect the project, especially considering how the bridge’s rebuild has been pulled into recent political quarrels. Last month, President Donald Trump questioned federal funding after arguing with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on social media about Baltimore’s crime rate.

“I gave Wes Moore a lot of money to fix his demolished bridge,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I will now have to rethink that decision???”

Moore responded that Trump was not involved and state officials “worked across the aisle to secure funding to rebuild this iconic bridge, an action that is written into law because of the leaders who put politics aside to make Baltimore whole again.”

Last year, Congress passed a bill requiring the federal government to fully fund the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. Some lawmakers want more supplemental funding.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., said he wants to pass an appropriations bill with around $1 billion more for the bridge rebuild as soon as possible.

“That bridge is not going to get any cheaper the longer we delay committing the funding to build it,” Womack said. “And it’s not just the cost of the bridge which is going to escalate in price, but it’s also the value of having complete access in that port. (…) Obviously, we’re going to be a partner in it, because you can’t do that on your own.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he expects the replacement bridge to cost more than original estimates and suggested Maryland may choose the “most expensive” options.

State officials refuted the idea.

Preliminary designs for the future bridge show a more modern span, but it will have the same number of lanes. The added shoulders, height and cable-stayed design are in response to new safety standards and port requirements.

“We remain committed to pursuing all available options to ensure the Key Bridge is rebuilt with safety, economic vitality, and sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars being top of mind," Maryland Transportation Authority spokesperson Brad Tanner said.

Sources: POLITICO, The Baltimore Banner