US$73 million Francis Scott Bridge replacement contract

Kiewit Infrastructure has been awarded a US$73 million contract for the design of the collapsed Francis Scott Bridge replacement project. The contract was awarded to the firm by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board.  

Kiewit will act as the Progressive Design-Builder to undertake the complete design and construction of the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement. Proposals were evaluated by the MDTA selection committee. The rebuild project is slated to begin in 2025 and the replacement bridge is expected to open in the third quarter of 2028.   

For this project, the MDTA is using a Progressive Design-Build process, which brings on board a project delivery team under one entity and a single contract to provide both design and construction services. The MDTA will foster collaboration among the project team, local communities and stakeholders, ensuring communication and partnership opportunities. The project scope of work and accelerated timeline will require a substantial amount of skilled labour to complete construction.    

The two-phase Progressive Design-Build process emphasises cooperation and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and changes. The process involves a single contract that unites MDTA with Kiewit, which includes contractor and designer roles. Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Kiewit will have negotiating rights for Phase 2, which includes project final design/engineering and construction.   

The MDTA Board also approved the temporary suspension of toll collection on I-695/Exit 44 turnaround until the completion of the rebuild project. The MDTA began this pilot program in May to mitigate the effect on local traffic while providing truck and commercial vehicles with direct and easy access to the Port of Baltimore, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding communities and traffic.  

In July, the Federal Highway Administration issued a Categorical Exclusion classification and National Environmental Policy Act approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project. The federal agency determined that because the replacement bridge will be within the former bridge’s right-of-way and have the same capacity of four travel lanes, it is not anticipated to significantly impact community, natural or cultural resources.   

The MDTA released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in July for the General Engineering Consultant, who will serve as MDTA’s engineering representative for the Rebuild. The MDTA expects to award the $75 million contract in January 2025.    

Removal of the collapsed bridge was carried out by Skanska. The package of works to remove the bridge was worth US$50 million.   

The bridge collapsed on 26th March 2024 after being struck by the container vessel Dali, which had suffered a loss of power. Although the vessel’s crew alerted the bridge authorities who were able to stop traffic, six construction workers were unable to escape in time and were killed.  

Carrying the I-695 Baltimore Beltway, the Francis Scott Bridge opened to traffic in 1977 and although it had recently passed inspection, the design made it vulnerable to impacts from ships using the waterway. Replacing the bridge is expected to cost up to US$2 billion in total. 

The 30,000/day drivers who previously used the link to traverse the Patapsco River on I-695 now face a lengthy diversion to use the I-895 crossing instead and which now suffers additional congestion. 

The bridge collapsed on 26th March 2024 after being struck by the container vessel Dali, which had suffered a loss of power. Although the vessel’s crew alerted the bridge authorities who were able to stop traffic, six construction workers were unable to escape in time and were killed.    

Carrying the I-695 Baltimore Beltway, the Francis Scott Bridge opened to traffic in 1977 and although it had recently passed inspection, the design made it vulnerable to impacts from ships using the waterway. Replacing the bridge is expected to cost up to US$1.7 billion in total and should be complete by 2028.

The new bridge will benefit from extra protection around its piers to prevent damage from potential ship collisions. The new bridge will also be higher than the previous structure to account for the larger vessels now in use.