American construction company Kiewit has won a $73m contract from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) to design and build a replacement for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge. This collapsed after a container ship crashed into it in March, causing the deaths of six construction workers.
The 2.6km-long structure was used by 30,000 vehicles a day to cross the Patapsco River.
The MDTA has suspended the toll collection on parts of the I-695 until the bridge is rebuilt. This was put in place in May this year to provide truck and commercial vehicles with easier access to the Port of Baltimore and reduce traffic on local roads.
Construction of the bridge is due to begin in 2025 and complete in 2028.
Kiewit’s contract is the first of a two-phase programme. The second will involve the final design, engineering and construction, for which the company will have exclusive negotiating rights, assuming the first phase has been completed successfully.
The MDTA has also issued a request for proposals for a $75m contract to be the project’s general engineering consultant, due to be announced in January.
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