From Construction Dive — By Julie Strupp —

On Thursday, Aug. 29, the Maryland Transportation Authority Board approved a $73 million design-build contract to Kiewit Infrastructure Co. for Phase 1 of the complete design and construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement, according to an MDTA news release. Construction firm Kiewit is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

The collapse of the I-695 Key Bridge attracted global attention in March, when the cargo ship Dali struck one of its supports and caused the historic span to crumble into the Patapsco River. The four-lane, 1.6-mile bridge was a major crossing for Baltimore traffic.

Although the cost estimate for the rebuild is not final, the MDTA currently pegs it at $1.7 billion, funded by a combination of insurance proceeds, cash on hand, bond financing, litigation recoveries and federal funds, according to the project website.

Kiewit will develop the project scope and requirements in collaboration with MDTA and other project stakeholders, per the release. The MDTA is using a progressive design-build process for the rebuild, which is split into two phases. This method “emphasizes cooperation and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and changes,” per the release.

Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Kiewit will have exclusive negotiating rights for the second phase, which includes final design and engineering as well as construction. In the event a guaranteed maximum price is not agreed upon, the MDTA will deliver the work under a separate contracting mechanism, according to the release.

Award: Design and construction of Phase 1 of Key Bridge replacement
Value: $73 million
Location: Baltimore
Client: Maryland Transportation Authority

The rebuild is slated to begin in 2025 and the replacement bridge is expected to open in fall 2028, per the release. MDTA said it will work to foster collaboration among the project team and local communities, and to ensure opportunities 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,” according to the release.

In July, the Federal Highway Administration issued a categorical exclusion classification and National Environmental Policy Act approval for the project, since the replacement will be within the former bridge’s right-of-way and have the same capacity.

Another contract is up for grabs: In July, the MDTA released an RFP for the general engineering consultant, who will serve as the agency’s engineering representative. The agency expects to award the $75 million contract in January 2025, according to the release.

ABOVE PHOTO CAPTION: 
Salvage crews continue to clean up wreckage from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Patapsco River on June 11, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images