Maryland to Rebuild Francis Scott Key Bridge After Tragic Collapse

Maryland officials have announced plans to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge within the next four years, following a tragic collapse that resulted in the deaths of six workers. The estimated cost for the reconstruction project is between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with a new span expected to be completed by the fall of 2028.

The recovery efforts at the collapse site have been ongoing, and authorities recently recovered the body of a fifth victim, identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez. The victims of the collapse were all Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, who came to the United States seeking a better life.

In response to the incident, the state of Maryland has filed claims against the bridge’s insurance policy, with a $350 million payout from Chubb expected to be the first of many. The salvage teams are also working tirelessly to clear the wreckage from the collapse site, with plans to refloat and remove the Dali container ship that has been stationary since the incident.

The salvage and demolition crews are focused on freeing the ship from the steel span that fell on its bow, allowing it to be guided back to the Port of Baltimore. A controlled demolition is scheduled to break down the largest remaining span, with a massive hydraulic grabber in operation to lift the steel sections onto barges.

Overall, the state and the involved parties are working diligently to address the aftermath of the collapse and ensure the safety of maritime traffic through the Port of Baltimore. The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a pivotal step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of all those who utilize the bridge in the future.

As the recovery efforts continue, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families, as well as the brave individuals working tirelessly to restore the bridge and the impacted area. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of the reconstruction project and the recovery efforts at the collapse site.

©2024 The Canadian Press

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