As several forces are working to clear the wreckage along the Fort McHenry Channel following the collapse of the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge, engineers have determined a tentative timeline for the restoration for safe navigation in and out of the Port of Baltimore.
After detailed studies and engineering assessments by local, state and federal organizations, in collaboration with industry partners, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) expects to open a limited access channel 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, to the Port of Baltimore within the next four weeks – by the end of April.
“This is our home, that’s our bridge.” ⚓ In the earliest hours after the collapse, Jacob and his teammates aboard the CATLETT were on site to help, and they have since provided sonar capabilities and serve as a work platform for partners from the Unified Command. #FSKBridge pic.twitter.com/MOjKLvmlSh
— USACE Baltimore (@USACEBaltimore) April 7, 2024
This channel would support one-way traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment to and from the port.
USACE engineers are aiming to reopen the permanent, 700-foot-wide by 50-foot-deep federal navigation channel by the end of May, restoring port access to normal capacity.
Meanwhile, salvors have removed containers from the M/V Dali as part of the effort to gain access to the portion of the Key Bridge that lies atop the ship. The transfer of containers from the M/V Dali will continue in the coming days, as weather permits.
