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On Thursday, the Maryland Transportation Authority Board approved a $73 million design-build contract to Kiewit Infrastructure Co. for Phase 1 of the complete design and construction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Replacementaccording to a press release from the MDTA. Kiewit Construction Company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
The I-695 Key bridge collapse drew global attention in March when the freighter Dali struck one of its supports, causing the historic span to sink into the Patapsco River. The four-lane, 1.6-mile bridge was a major crossing for Baltimore traffic.
While the cost estimate for reconstruction is not final, the MDTA currently pegs it at $1.7 billion, funded by a combination of insurance proceeds, cash on hand, bond financing, litigation recoveries and federal funds, according to the project’s website.
Kiewit will develop project scope and requirements in collaboration with MDTA and other project stakeholders, according to the release. The MDTA is using a progressive design and construction process for the rebuild, which is divided into two phases. This method “emphasizes cooperation and flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and changes,” according to the statement.
Upon successful completion of Phase 1, Kiewit will have exclusive negotiating rights for Phase 2, which includes final design and engineering as well as construction. In the event that a guaranteed maximum price is not agreed upon, the MDTA will deliver the work through an independent procurement mechanism, according to the release.
Reconstruction is scheduled to begin in 2025, and the replacement bridge is expected to open in the fall of 2028, according to the release. MDTA said it will work to foster collaboration between the project team and local communities, and to ensure opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses.
“The scope of the project and the accelerated schedule will require a substantial amount of skilled labor to complete construction quickly, safely and reliably,” according to the statement.
In July, the Federal Highway Administration issued a categorical exclusion classification and approval of the National Environmental Policy Act for the projectsince the replacement will take place within the site of the old bridge and will have the same capacity.
There’s another contract at stake: In July, the MDTA issued an RFP for the general engineering consultant, who will serve as the agency’s engineering representative. The agency expects to award the $75 million contract in January 2025, according to the statement.
