BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Transportation Authority has awarded a $73 million contract to Kiewit Infrastructure Co., which will be responsible for the complete design and construction of the new Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The bridge, located in Baltimore, is part of a critical infrastructure project that is aimed at improving safety and efficiency. Officials say the two-phase Progressive Design-Build process will ensure that the project is completed expeditiously, safely, and reliably.

The Progressive Design-Build process involves a single contract that unites the MDTA and Kiewit, which will include both the contractor and designer roles. This approach brings together a project delivery team under one entity, ensuring open communication and inclusive partnership opportunities, particularly for small and disadvantaged businesses. The scope of work and accelerated timeline will require a substantial amount of skilled labor to complete the construction expeditiously, safely, and reliably.

Phase one of the project, which includes the development of the project scope and requirements, has been completed, and Kiewit will now have exclusive negotiating rights for phase two, which will focus on the project final design/engineering and construction. The MDTA has the option to deliver the work under a separate contracting mechanism if a guaranteed maximum price is not agreed upon.

In addition, the MDTA has approved the temporary suspension of toll collection on I-695/Exit 44 turnaround until the completion of the rebuild project. This policy was implemented in May to minimize disruption to traffic and provide truck and commercial vehicles with direct access to the Port of Baltimore.

The MDTA released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in July for the General Engineering Consultant, who will serve as MDTA’s engineering representative for the Rebuild. The MDTA expects to award the $75 million contract in January 2025.

Visit KeyBridgeRebuild.com for more information.

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

Photo: Unified Command’s ongoing salvage work in the Fort McHenry Federal Channel nears its conclusion, as shown in these aerial photos taken Friday afternoon, June 7, 2024. Courtesy of Maryland State Police Aviation Command, salvors continue pulling massive, mangled chunks of Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from the watery depths of the Patapsco River.