Key Bridge Rebuild Enters Next Phase as 2-Year Mark Approaches

Engineers say plans for the new span are around 70% completed as construction work continues.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 1:41am

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Nearly two years after the Key Bridge collapse in Maryland, engineers have announced that the rebuild project is about to move into its next stage. Plans for the new span are around 70% completed, and the target remains reopening the bridge to traffic by the end of 2030.

Why it matters

The collapse of the Key Bridge has had a significant impact on local businesses in Dundalk, with one shop owner reporting sales declines of up to 40%. The bridge's reconstruction is seen as crucial to the area's economic recovery.

The details

Since pre-construction began early last year, which included soil testing and wind tunnel analysis, some early construction work has been completed, including the demolition of the land piers from the old bridge. Design is nearly complete, and the engineers expect to reach the 100% design level by June of this year. The next phase of construction will begin in the months ahead, with contractor negotiations starting to get a final cost and build schedule.

  • The Key Bridge collapsed nearly two years ago.
  • Pre-construction work began early last year.
  • Design is currently around 70% completed.
  • The 100% design level is expected to be reached by June 2026.
  • The target is to reopen the bridge to traffic by the end of 2030.

The players

Laura Quintana

The owner of Little Crystal Bijoux, a Dundalk-based business that has seen sales decline by up to 40% since the bridge collapse.

Jim Harkness

The chief engineer of the Maryland Transportation Authority, who provided an update on the bridge rebuild project.

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What they’re saying

“It was just part of the landscape. And it was gone. And it was just a sinking feeling, sort of like finding out that a really good friend had passed.”

— Laura Quintana, Owner, Little Crystal Bijoux

“They are advancing the design from the 70% level to the 100% level, and we expect that they will be able to reach that milestone in June of this year.”

— Jim Harkness, Chief Engineer, Maryland Transportation Authority

What’s next

Over the next couple of months, contractor negotiations will begin to get a final cost and build schedule for the next phase of construction.

The takeaway

The reconstruction of the Key Bridge is a crucial step in the economic recovery of the Dundalk area, which has been significantly impacted by the bridge's collapse. The project's progress, including the upcoming design milestone and the start of contractor negotiations, is seen as a positive sign for local businesses and the community.