The shipping channel at the Port of Baltimore may fully reopen this weekend upon completion of the removal of the last fallen bridge segment.
The 700-foot wide channel, which was shut down after a bridge collapse in March, is set to reopen between Saturday and Monday. This is due to the removal of the last piece of steel bridge that has been obstructing the channel. The Unified Command gave an update on the progress, saying that the final piece of bridge truss, a structure made of concrete, cables, and steel rebar, was cleared using concrete breakers, torches, and underwater inspections.
After the bridge collapse, crews were able to clear a limited 400-foot space for vessels to pass through. However, the complete reopening of the channel will signal a return to full operations at the port, an important international cargo destination and a major employer for thousands of local workers.
The bridge collapsed on March 26 when a 213-million pound cargo ship lost power and collided with one of the bridge's support columns. This accident resulted in the death of six construction workers. The vessel remained stuck in the waterway for nearly two months as crews worked to remove a piece of the bridge that was holding the ship's bow in place. Finally, the ship was towed away on May 20, enabling a temporary 400-foot channel to be opened. This allowed for a pair of cruise ships to set sail from the Port of Baltimore on May 27, the first time since the bridge collapse.
Investigations into the cause of the bridge collapse have begun, with the FBI, the US Coast Guard, and the National Transportation Safety Board all involved. Meanwhile, local officials are working with the federal government to restore economic activity at the port and plan for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which served as a major thoroughfare for about 30,000 daily commuters.
The port provides employment for 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in Maryland, as mentioned on the state's website.
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Following the removal of the last bridge segment, the Port of Baltimore can anticipate the resumption of full operations, greatly benefiting the US community of 15,330 direct workers and 139,180 individuals in Maryland.
Upon the complete reopening of the channel, the US will once again see a boost in economic activity at this significant international cargo destination and major employment source.
