The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has successfully removed a 560-ton section of structural steel from a 35-foot-deep Limited Access Channel (LAC) in the Port of Baltimore, meeting their commitment to clear the wreckage by the end of April.
The LAC is a part of the federal channel, which has been obstructed by structural steel since the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. This progress paves the way for the full reopening of the 50-foot-deep Fort McHenry Federal Channel.
USACE Commanding General Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon emphasized the Corps’ dedication to restoring normal operations at the Port of Baltimore. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of USACE, the Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and various federal, state, and local agencies in achieving this milestone safely and effectively.
The next steps involve sonar surveys by USACE, navigation aid placement by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the issuance of updated nautical charts by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Once these are completed, port officials will evaluate the possibility of resuming commercial maritime traffic on a case-by-case basis.
Meanwhile, USACE Baltimore District Commander Col. Estee Pinchasin highlighted the complexity and danger of the salvage work, praising the Unified Command’s exceptional coordination and unwavering commitment to safety and progress in restoring commerce to the Port of Baltimore.
