This week, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provided the Maryland Transportation Administration (MDTA) with federal environmental approvals for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The FHWA has issued a Categorical Exclusion (CE) classification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approval for the project.
The federal agency determined that because the replacement Key Bridge will be within the former bridge’s right-of-way and have the same capacity of four travel lanes, it is not anticipated to significantly impact community, natural or cultural resources.
“Securing this approval marks a major milestone in rebuilding the Key Bridge and reconnecting communities following the catastrophic collapse,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman, in a statement. “This approval from the federal government formally gives MDTA the go-ahead to move forward with plans to rebuild the Key Bridge. Through Governor Wes Moore’s leadership and with close, continual coordination, the MDTA, SHA and FHWA secured input from other state and federal partners to reach this critical step.”
Specifically, the rebuild project will not induce significant impacts to planned growth or land use for the area; will not cause any relocations of people or businesses; will have no effect on travel patterns from pre-collapse conditions; will not impact historic or park and recreational resources.
As MDTA continues to work to implement this project as quickly as possible, the authority released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Friday, July 19, inviting consultant teams to submit proposals for the $75 million General Engineering Consultant contract as part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild.
The chosen General Engineering Consultant will also manage the Progressive Design-Builder, which will be selected by the MDTA later this summer, by auditing the Progressive Design-Builder’s processes, reviewing submittals and confirming the design criteria is met.
Gov. Wes Moore acknowledged that this is a major milestone but said there is more work to be done.
"We are grateful that we now have progress when it comes to the environmental evaluation, so we have a green light on certain measures," said Moore to CBS News. "I was on the phone earlier today with additional Senators, both Democrats and Republicans, to make sure that the Baltimore Bridge Act can get the financial support, we can get the bridge financing. That's going to be necessary to get the building down as quickly as possible."
MDTA expects to award the final contract for rebuild in February 2025.
Source: CBS News, WJLA.com
