BALTIMORE, Md. — More than two years after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River following a collision with a cargo ship in March 2024, Maryland is still feeling the effects. Lives were lost, traffic patterns were disrupted, and commuters and communities across the state continue to deal with the consequences of a disaster that transformed one of the Baltimore region’s most important transportation routes.
Now, work is underway to build the bridge that will take its place — but drivers still have years to wait before they can cross the Patapsco River there again. From a price tag that could reach $5.2 billion to a projected 2030 completion date, here’s what you need to know about the massive Key Bridge reconstruction project, where it stands today and what comes next.
Why Is The Key Bridge Important?
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital piece of infrastructure in the Baltimore area, and its collapse has affected economic trends and traffic patterns all over Maryland. Carrying millions of commuters and trucks each year, the Key Bridge offered an essential connection between the different regions surrounding Baltimore.
Since the collapse, many drivers who crossed the Key Bridge on a daily basis have experienced an increase in commute time due to traffic. Many commuters have had to adjust their routes to make it to work, school or other activities. Some Maryland communities have even reported an increase in litter and fumes from the uptick in traffic, polluting their local environment…