Port of Baltimore Reopens Fully After Bridge Collapse
- Authorities say commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore will soon return to normal levels since the waterway fully reopened earlier this week for the first time since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
- Officials estimate the salvage operations will cost up to $75 million, and rebuilding the bridge could cost nearly $2 billion.
- The exact causes of the electrical issues that caused the cargo ship Dali to lose power and crash into the bridge have yet to be determined.
After months of closure following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Port of Baltimore is ready to welcome back commercial shipping traffic to its full capacity. The reopening comes after a vigorous cleanup effort that involved federal, state, and local agencies and cost an estimated $100 million. As the channel has returned to its original depth and width, shipping companies are expected to resume operations in Baltimore’s bustling port.
The bridge collapse in March had a significant impact on the local economy, with thousands of jobs affected. However, with the reopening of the channel, officials are hopeful for a swift recovery. President Biden has pledged federal aid for the rebuilding project, with approval pending from Congress. The Dali incident remains under investigation, with both safety and criminal aspects being explored.
Salvage crews continue to clean up wreckage from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Patapsco River on June 11, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel has fully opened for shipping traffic months after the cargo ship Dali collided with the bridge, causing it to collapse. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The reopening of the port is a significant milestone for Baltimore, signaling a return to normalcy after a tumultuous period. As commercial traffic resumes, the city can look ahead to rebuilding and strengthening its economy.