Body of Sixth Victim Found/ Container Ship Dali to Be Removed
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The State of Maryland began the bid process for rebuilding the Frances Scott Key Bridge which collapsed on March 26, 2024 after being struck by a container ship. Six construction workers were killed. The body of the sixth victim, 37-year-old Baltimore resident José Mynor López, was located by Unified Command salvage teams, who then contacted Maryland State Police and the FBI on Tuesday.
“With heavy hearts, today marks a significant milestone in our recovery efforts and providing closure to the loved ones of the six workers who lost their lives in this tragic event,” said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police.
Explosives will be used to free the container ship from the wreckage. The crew which remains on the ship, will not be evacuated but moved to a safe part of the ship.
Tuesday, the State held a virtual information session to describe the bid process for rebuilding the bridge. Maryland Transportation Authority Project Manager, Mr. Brian Wolfe, PE described what would be an “aggressive rebuild schedule." Therefore, no on-site interviews or tours for prospective companies would be needed. The RFP (Request for Proposal) will be out by the end of May. The selection of the contractors would be four to six weeks later.
“We are seeking a team that manages costs effectively, provides transparency in financial dealings and stays within negotiated budgets,” James Harkness, MDTA Chief Engineer said. “Additionally, the bridge’s design should minimize environmental impacts to the Patapsco River and enhance the visual landscape, serving as a welcoming gateway to the city and Port of Baltimore."
The project will cost $1.7 to $1.9 billion. It will be built in the same location. Height and specific design has not been determined, but with container ships getting larger, Wolfe said, “We are working with the U.S. Coast Guard right now to determine the appropriate minimal air draft height for the new bridge, and that will meet current and future needs of the port,”
Some experts state that the design will most likely be a cable-stayed bridge, which is a bridge where the span is supported by cables attached to pylons. This has been the design for other port access bridges built in the past ten years.
The link below contains more information about the rebuild process:
