Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement estimate more than doubles since initial projections

The estimated replacement cost for the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge has more than doubled since the initial projected price. 

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed in March of 2024 after a container ship crashed into one of the bridge supports. Six construction workers died in the accident, and the bridge was completely destroyed. The Maryland Transportation Authority previously estimated a replacement cost of $1.9 billion and a completion date some time in 2028. 

As of Monday, November 17th, the Maryland Transportation Authority has announced a new replacement cost estimate and reopening date – between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion to replace the crucial bridge, and a reopening date sometime in 2030, reported NBC Washington.

“As design has advanced and pre-construction work progresses, it became clear that material costs for all aspects of the project have increased drastically since the preliminary estimates were prepared less than two weeks after the initial tragedy,” said Acting Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chair Samantha J. Biddle.

“The new Francis Scott Key Bridge isn’t just a local infrastructure project – it’s vital to our nation’s economy and will connect the Baltimore region to economies throughout the United States and the world. Although rebuilding will take longer than initially forecasted and cost more, we remain committed to rebuilding as safely, quickly and cost effectively as possible,” Biddle continued. 

Governor Wes Moore has also added that “national economic conditions have deteriorated and material costs have increased,” since the initial estimate. “At the same time, elevated costs have resulted from federal design and resilience standards — not discretionary state choices.”

The state of Maryland is continuing to pursue litigation against those responsible for the disaster in an attempt to make sure “taxpayers aren’t on the hook.”