Maryland Key Bridge Update: Permanent Pile Work Underway

Baltimore, MD – Construction on the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement is moving into major foundation work, with crews driving permanent piles for the new bridge’s main pylons near Baltimore.

According to an update from the Key Bridge Rebuild project and Maryland Transportation Authority, state and local officials, community leaders and members of the public joined boat tours Monday to view construction underway on the project.

Crews are currently driving permanent piles at the locations of the bridge’s two main pylons. MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in the project update that the piles are permanent components and represent the beginning of the foundations for the cable-stayed bridge’s main span.

Work is also continuing on temporary trestle platforms on both sides of the river. Project officials said that work is expected to be completed this fall.

Once finished, the trestles are intended to give workers, equipment and construction materials safer and more efficient access to the future pier locations throughout the rebuild.

The new Francis Scott Key Bridge is being built to restore the Interstate 695 Baltimore Beltway connection and reestablish a major transportation link serving the Baltimore region.

During Monday’s tours, Maryland transportation officials and elected leaders highlighted the scale of the construction and discussed the project’s long-term role in transportation and commerce. Those comments reflect the officials’ assessments of the project.

The Maryland Transportation Authority owns and operates the state’s toll bridges, tunnels and turnpikes. The agency said its projects and services are funded through toll revenue paid by customers using its facilities.

Construction activity is expected to remain visible around the project area as foundation and access work continues.