Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and members of the Maryland Congressional delegation touring the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild on Monday emphasized the bridge’s importance to the state and the country.
Moore was joined by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as U.S. Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR), chair of the House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), and former U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD).
“The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation,” Moore said. “Together with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.”
The Key Bridge is an economic and transportation artery for the region, connecting thousands of Maryland commuters and commercial vehicles to Baltimore and the surrounding area. The bridge serves the Port of Baltimore, which generates an estimates $70 billion and links more than 273,000 jobs to its activities.
The bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024 when it was struck by ship Dali, after the ship suffered a “complete blackout” and lost propulsion. The ship struck the center span of the bridge. Within moments, the bridge broke apart into several pieces, leaving sections protruding from the water and the main span falling on the ship’s bow.
Immediately after the bridge’s collapse, state, local and federal partners worked to advance recovery options. In less than 80 days, the Unified Command removed more than 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River to restore the Fort McHenry Federal Channel and open shipping back up. The governor’s office said his visit reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to restoring the bridge.
“Proper oversight of the American taxpayer dollars being used to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” Womack said. “This bridge is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, and its success unlocks the full potential of commerce along our Eastern seaboard.”
In January of last year, pre-construction activities began, including detailed engineering tests that would inform design and construction decisions. The project’s test pile program—to ensure a sound foundation design—began in the fall of last year and reached completion ahead of schedule last month. In January 2026, construction of the platform began which will allow supplies, construction personnel, and equipment to reach the pier sites more efficiently to speed up the construction process.
“We’ve always known Team Maryland will fight to rebuild our Francis Scott Key Bridge, and we won’t rest until it’s done. We won’t rest because we’re doing it for all of Maryland: the six Marylanders that lost their lives that day, the brave Marylanders that dove into the frigid water during the rescue operation, and the strong Marylanders whose businesses and livelihoods were impacted by the collapse,” Alsobrooks said.