ATTENTION
MDTA has addressed the questions received as part of the Key Bridge Virtual Community Update as of June 11, 2024. Questions have been edited for grammar, clarity, and length. Duplicate questions are not included.
As the Key Bridge Rebuild effort is under active development, please continue to check back as new questions will continue to be added based on your feedback and as the project progresses.
Please check the most recent information available on the website.
Environment
What is a Joint Permit Application (JPA) and why have applications been submitted for the Francis Scott Key (FSK) Bridge?
A JPA is Maryland’s streamlined process for securing authorization to conduct construction activities that may impact wetlands, waterways, and 100-year floodplains from Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). MDE regulates activities that may affect wetlands, wetland buffers, waterways, and 100-year floodplains. The Corps regulates activities that may affect Waters of the U.S. which include streams and some wetlands. Authorization in the form of permits or licenses are required before any impacts to regulated resources can occur.
MDTA’s Francis Scott Key (FSK) Bridge permit applications include construction activities necessary to entirely rebuild the FSK Bridge. MDTA’s rebuild permit applications request authorization for unavoidable impacts to resources that would result from the rebuild of the new FSK Bridge, including permanent and temporary impacts to nontidal wetlands, nontidal wetland buffers, nontidal streams, and the Patapsco River.
What is a Water Quality Certification?
A Water Quality Certification is an authorization required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for projects that require federal permits. By issuing a Water Quality Certification, a state indicates that a project will not violate the water quality standards of the state. FSK Bridge demolition and rebuild activities require Water Quality Certification.
What is the MDE Public Informational Hearing?
The MDE Public Informational Hearing is an opportunity for members of the public to learn about the permit application being considered by MDE and provide comments. Comments in opposition and in favor of permit issuance may be provided and will be considered by MDE when making a permit decision. Comments on the permit may also be provided to MDE in writing.
The Maryland Department of the Environment MDE is required to provide the opportunity for the public to provide input on the permit decisions they are considering through a public notice and comments period. Any member of the public may request a public hearing on the application during the public comment period. When an applicant believes that a public hearing will be requested by the public, the applicant can plan to hold the hearing during the comment period.
Why is a Categorical Exclusion (CE) needed for the Francis Scott Key Bridge?
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), conducted a NEPA study for the Francis Scott Key (FSK) Bridge project which qualifies as a CE due to its emergency status and because the rebuild will stay within the existing area of the former bridge. The project does not involve adding new travel lanes but includes necessary updates to meet current roadway and bridge design and safety standards.
On July 23, 2024, MDTA and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) received key federal environmental approvals for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. FHWA has issued a Categorical Exclusion (CE) classification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project. View the approval document.
What is a Categorical Exclusion?
CEs are specific actions that are deemed not to have significant environmental impacts. These actions:
- Do not significantly alter planned growth or land use in the area.
- Do not require the relocation of many people.
- Do not significantly affect natural, cultural, recreational, or historic resources.
- Do not cause major changes to air, noise, or water quality.
- Do not significantly alter travel patterns.
For a project to be classified as a CE, it must not have any unusual circumstances that could lead to significant environmental impacts.
March 26 Recovery Efforts and Bridge Removal
How much debris is there in the channel and how much is left to be removed? How was it removed? Will the rest of the Francis Scott Key Bridge be torn down, or will it be reused?
99% of the steel has already been removed from the channel. Approximately 19,000 tons of steel has been moved to the salvage yard to be recycled. The last large truss section was removed on Tuesday, June 4th and will be recycled by a local company. MDTA is analyzing if removal is recommended for the remaining material.
Community Impacts
How will construction impact surrounding communities?
MDTA is completing an environmental planning study to identify all environmental impacts associated with rebuilding the bridge in the same location. This includes impacts associated with demolition, reconstruction, and temporary construction impacts that must be identified to obtain environmental permits.
The construction will require the use of heavy construction equipment, but MDTA and the design and construction team will work to minimize environmental impacts on local communities where feasible. MDTA will communicate with our neighbors throughout the project.
Who do I contact about construction activities near my property
You can contact the MDTA Key Bridge Rebuild hotline at 1-800-515-7030 or
Will there be a memorial for the bridge? Will the public have an opportunity to purchase keepsakes of the bridge?
Pieces of steel have been set aside for potential use as a memorial. The details of the memorial will be determined at a future date and will honor the six individuals who lost their lives in the bridge collapse. We are considering other ways to memorialize the bridge and will provide updates when they are available.
Traffic and Transportation
Is the MDTA considering a temporary bridge while the new bridge is under construction?
MDTA is not considering a temporary modular structure due to the channel width, vessel sizes, and port traffic.
Is the MDTA considering implementing ferry service while the bridge is being rebuilt?
MDOT and MDTA have no plans to implement ferry service.
Will there be impacts to shipping during the project?
There will be close coordination between MDTA, the design and construction team, U.S. Coast Guard and the Port of Baltimore to minimize impacts to the shipping channel during the reconstruction.
Bridge Design and Construction
Will the bridge structures that still stand in the water be re-used?
The existing structures cannot be reused to rebuild the bridge. MDE has issued a notice to solicit comments from the public about proposed demolition. A link to the notice, which includes details on an August 1 MDE public information hearing, is available on the Key Bridge Rebuild website.
The MDTA will work with the selected Progressive Design Build team to chart a path forward on the removal of the remaining structures in partnership with neighboring communities.
Will the name of the new bridge remain the Francis Scott Key Bridge, or will it change?
Renaming or re-dedicating the bridge is an important conversation. No decisions have been made at this time.
How will the design meet current and future transportation needs?
The project is to replace the Key Bridge to restore capacity and access across the Patapsco River. The new bridge will be designed to meet current industry standards and the needs of the Port of Baltimore. This includes enhanced pier protection systems, roadway shoulders, updated parapet and traffic barriers heights, and other design considerations.
MDTA is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to determine the height of the new Key Bridge above the water. The bridge replacement project will not permanently impact the depth of the waterway. The depth of the waterway is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
While MDTA is not excluding any bridge types, it is unlikely that a vertical lift bridge would meet the goals of the project because the number of large port vessels would require a significant number of bridge openings that would impact traffic.
Is MDTA considering other design elements for the new bridge to accommodate other modes or means of transportation?
The reasonableness and feasibility of different design elements, such as a shared use path, are still under evaluation. Other considerations, such as light rail and constructing a tunnel instead of a bridge, are not planned.
Is October 15, 2028 the opening date of the new bridge?
October 15, 2028 is the date that has been given to potential design and construction companies as the goal for the reopening of the new bridge. MDTA anticipates offering incentives to the selected design and construction firm for earlier completion.
Community Involvement
How do I let MDTA know that I would like you to speak with my community?
Community involvement is critical to the success of our project. If you would like someone from our team to participate in your future event or address your community, please reach out to
How do I share my ideas for the construction of the new bridge?
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. You can contact us
Contracting and Financial
What’s the latest on funding?
Maryland continues to work with our federal delegation to identify opportunities to advance the legislative language for 100% federal cost share, including by attaching the provision to bills moving through Congress or having it included in a government funding measure. We have been pleased by the engagement with Committee leadership on both sides of the aisle who remain committed to ensuring we rebuild the bridge quickly.
Who will pay for the new Key Bridge?
Funding for the reconstruction is expected to be derived from insurance proceeds, cash on hand, bond financing, litigation recoveries, and federal funds. The exact nature of the funding mix is still under development.
How much will the rebuild cost?
The MDTA’s planning level cost estimate is approximately $1.7 billion. The estimate is in line with similar projects of this scale and complexity:
- Long Beach Gateway in Long Beach, California for $1.56 billion
- New Goethals in Staten Island, New York for $1.5 billion
How much will MDTA be paying for the rebuilding efforts?
Between $15-20 million over the next 6 months using capital program funds. The estimated expenditure is based on the length of time to advertise, evaluate, and award this contract. It reflects our estimate of spend rates based on experience and on factors in our aggressive schedule.
How many jobs will the Key Bridge Rebuild create?
Specifics on job creation will be developed during Phase 1 of the design of project.
Will there be a DBE goal for the project?
Yes, Phase 1 of the reconstruction will include pre-construction services and it will have a Disadvantages Business Enterprise (or DBE) goal stating that 26% of the contract should be completed by Maryland-certified DBE.