Maryland Cancels Key Bridge Rebuilding Contract with Kiewit Infrastructure; New Contractors Sought for Phase Two

Maryland has terminated its contract with Kiewit Infrastructure for rebuilding the Key Bridge in Baltimore due to a significant increase in Phase Two costs, now estimated at nine billion dollars. The state had initially allocated between four billion and five billion dollars for the project.

Kiewit was awarded a seventy-three million dollar contract in August 2024 for design and early construction, but negotiations fell through when their full proposal exceeded the states estimates. The project was initiated following the bridge collapse in March 2024, which resulted in six fatalities and disrupted traffic and shipping for months.

The Maryland Transportation Authority is now seeking new contractors for Phase Two, which may delay the projects completion beyond the late 2030 target. Kiewit will continue working on Phase One until the end of 2026.

The cost increase is attributed to inflation and design modifications, with the new span now expected to cost over four billion dollars. The federal government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffys meeting with Governor Wes Moore. The new bridge will span two miles, have higher clearance, and a lifespan of over a century, but the focus remains on ensuring the project is completed without compromising on quality or safety.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/cec96348b62d85fe