BALTIMORE, MD—Months after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in a catastrophic accident, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has secured key federal environmental approvals for the bridge’s reconstruction.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has granted the MDTA a Categorical Exclusion (CE) classification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approval for the $75 million project. The approval document can be viewed here.

“Securing this approval marks a major milestone in rebuilding the Key Bridge and reconnecting communities following the March 26 catastrophic collapse,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Paul J. Wiedefeld. “This approval from the federal government formally gives MDTA the go ahead to move forward with plans to rebuild the Key Bridge. Through Governor Wes Moore’s leadership and with close, continual coordination, the MDTA, SHA and FHWA secured input from other state and federal partners to reach this critical step.”

The MDTA said the reconstruction project will have no significant impact on the surrounding community, businesses, or historic sites. The bridge’s replacement will not cause any relocations of people or businesses, and it will not impact travel patterns from pre-collapse conditions. The project is also expected to not impact historic or park and recreational resources.

The approval marks a significant milestone for the MDTA and the State of Maryland, as it begins the long process of rebuilding one of the country’s most iconic bridges.

For more details on the rebuild efforts and where to find upcoming community events, visit KeyBridgeRebuild.com.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via the Baltimore County Police Department