After the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a Singaporean cargo ship, the Dali on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, losses have continued to mount. The aftermath of an American tragedy is still being assessed.
Shailen Bhatt, Administrator of the Highway Administration told The Baltimore Times that he visited Baltimore soon after the crisis occurred. He stated that seeing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the water was a shocking image.
“I think it speaks to the tragedy— the fact that this iconic bridge has gone from the skyline. Our hearts go out to the family members who were lost, all the workers who are being affected. I think those are just a lot of the thoughts that were running through my head,” Bhatt said, referring to the harrowing incident.
He further stated that the National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the matter. However, it is his understanding that eight people were believed to be on the bridge when the cargo ship collided into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Two were rescued but six perished.
As of March 28, 2024, the port in Baltimore remains closed.
“The vast majority of the port is inside the Key Bridge that has now come down on top of the navigable channel, so the vast majority of the port is closed to maritime traffic. There is a small port at Sparrows Point that is outside the bridge that they’re trying to see what level of operations they can use from that point, but a lot of the heavy machinery, the crane is inside. Therefore, ships can’t get in and that’s why the port is closed,” Bhatt explained.
Beyond the devastating loss of life and port closure, another impactful issue to address is how drivers who once used the I-695 Beltway remain impacted. They should prepare for longer commuting time.
“The bridge carried about 11.3 million vehicles annually, which is about 32,000 vehicles a day. Some of that is local traffic, some of that is regional traffic, and some of that is people traveling up and down the East Coast. So, we’ve been working with surrounding states and the media to just message to avoid the area, if you’re a through traveler. I think some people are going to heed that. Some of the freight trips will go around, but there’s a lot of people for whom they can’t just avoid the region,” said Bhatt.
He added, “Luckily, there’s some good transportation infrastructure, but particularly during the rush hour periods, we know there’s going to be a lot more impact on the tunnels and by the beltway, so we’re closely monitoring traffic.”
Bhatt stated that he has been in close contact with Paul J. Weidefeld, Transportation Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation; Maryland DOT team; and the Maryland Toll Authority about the timeline for the Key Bridge to be rebuilt.
“Obviously, the recovery is ongoing. We’re waiting for the investigation to release, so that we can get moving on to pre-clearance of getting a design going for the bridge. I think top of everyone’s mind is just getting the port reopened and getting that channel restored. So, there’s multiple work streams going and work is underway. I would say that the port will be reopened in the coming days and weeks, depending on damage and how long it takes people to get things going,” said Bhatt.
He explained that a timeframe for the plans for the bridge will be determined as damage to the structure is discovered.
According to a recent press release announcement, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration will immediately make $60 million available in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds for the Maryland Department of Transportation to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The funds will reportedly “serve as a down payment toward initial costs, and additional Emergency Relief program funding will be made available as work continues.”
“The federal emergency funds we’re releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress. President Biden has been clear: the federal government will do everything it takes to help rebuild the bridge and get the Port of Baltimore back open,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Additionally, Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency and the Federal Highway Administration has approved the Maryland Department of Transportation’s application, making the unexpected event eligible for Emergency Relief funding.
“The funds will be used for eligible costs associated with debris removal, demolition, detours, emergency repairs, and design and reconstruction on I-695 and the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” according to the press release.
It was also noted that “additional funds needed for the rebuilding of the bridge will be supported by the Emergency Relief program through nationwide funding allocations. FHWA is also providing technical assistance, conducting site assessments, and administering emergency contracts for the new bridge.”
Another pressing issue involves the rerouting of ships that would normally come to Baltimore’s port. These ships, including passenger cruise ships, are being rerouted to neighboring states.
Port workers and businesses have also been impacted. Bhatt stated that President Joe Biden cares about protecting workers. It is top of mind for the Highway Administration as well.
“Every vessel will either find a way to unload its cargo here at Sparrows Point or will be rerouted to another port,” said Bhatt.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, energy products, including coal and refined petroleum products, such as biodiesel, and fertilizers, have moved through the Port of Baltimore. Baltimore’s port is vital to commerce, Maryland’s economy, and the well-being of people who depend on it.