BALTIMORE — The pre-construction phase is set to begin this week for the rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which Maryland residents say is a major landmark in the state.
The bridge collapsed in March 2024, killing six construction workers, and closing the main channel to the Port of Baltimore for weeks.
“It’s a part of us,” Maryland resident Maxine Tate said. “When it fell, we heard it, but we didn’t think that. Who would have thought it was a bridge?”
Part of the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) pre-construction activities includes property inspections to about 1,100 homes and businesses in the adjacent communities of the Key Bridge rebuild project area.
MDTA officials say pre-construction property inspections aren’t typical on all projects, however, they are addressing concerns expressed by the community for possible basement and foundation damage.
MDTA said their engineering analysis ensured construction wouldn’t damage properties. Property inspections are voluntary and are expected to wrap up by February.