Maryland Officials Showcase Progress on Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild

Two years after bridge collapse, transportation officials provide update on reconstruction efforts.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:45pm

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Maryland transportation officials recently provided a progress update on the rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed two years ago after being struck by a cargo ship. The officials showcased the massive crane being used to drive 200-foot steel piles for the new bridge foundation, noting that the design process is moving at a faster pace than normal to target a 2030 reopening.

Why it matters

The Francis Scott Key Bridge is a critical transportation link in the Baltimore region, and its collapse caused major disruptions. The rebuild project is a high-priority effort to restore this important infrastructure and get traffic flowing again between the city and surrounding areas.

The details

During a media tour, MDTA Chief Engineer Jim Harkness explained that the design process is moving quickly, going from 0% to 70% design in just 14 months. This is allowing the project team to start construction sooner than a typical bridge rebuild. The massive crane being used is one of the largest on the East Coast and is driving the 200-foot steel piles that will form the foundation for the new bridge.

  • The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed two years ago in 2024.
  • The design process is expected to be completed by June 2026.
  • The target is to reopen the rebuilt bridge by the end of 2030.

The players

Capt. Mike Simonsen

Led the media tour on a boat from the Locust Point Terminal to the bridge construction site.

Jim Harkness

Chief engineer for the Maryland Transportation Authority, providing details on the bridge rebuild progress and timeline.

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA)

The state agency overseeing the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction project.

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What they’re saying

“That was the kinetic energy that was exploding, what you're gonna see here in the Double A frame straight adjacent they just leveled it”

— Capt. Mike Simonsen

“What we've accomplished in 14 months going to 0% design, bringing on the contractor to getting to 70% design, where we can work on negotiating and estimating it that is breakneck speed essentially”

— Jim Harkness, Chief Engineer, Maryland Transportation Authority

What’s next

The design process is expected to be completed by June 2026, after which the project team can finalize construction plans and timelines.

The takeaway

The rapid progress on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild demonstrates the state's commitment to restoring this critical transportation link as quickly as possible. The use of innovative construction techniques and a streamlined design process are helping to accelerate the project and get the bridge back in service for Baltimore-area residents and businesses.