Bridges In Maryland: How The Key Bridge Reconstruction Project Is Enhancing Infrastructure Statewide

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Francis Scott Key Bridge fell in 2024, and the design phase is already underway to reconstruct what was once one of Maryland’s most important pieces of roadway infrastructure. Since its collapse, Maryland officials have been brainstorming new ways to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future.

A Nov. 18 statement by MDTA explained that work on the design process for the Key Bridge’s reconstruction is underway. New precautions will be taken to improve the design of the previous Key Bridge, allowing it to offer a stronger pier protection system.

“The Key Bridge Rebuild continues to advance in the design process and will have a rigid fender pier protection system to meet today’s American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials design standards.”

Pier protection systems help prevent damage when an accidental collision occurs, such as a passing ship hitting the bridge. The Francis Scott Key Bridge fell due to a large ship losing power and colliding with one of its support piers, so improving on the previous design is an essential step to ensure safety for all drivers.

Since planning has begun for the Key Bridge’s reconstruction, MDTA has been taking notes on other pieces of infrastructure in Maryland that need attention, and the Bay Bridge is one of its top priorities.

How Will Maryland Enhance Protection At The Bay Bridge?

A recent MDTA statement on the National Transportation Safety Board final report explained that while Maryland’s Bay Bridge is regularly inspected and up to code, new safety precautions may be added in the near future to provide enhanced protection.

“The safety of Maryland highways and bridges is always a top priority for the MDTA. The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge has been inspected annually for over 30 years and is in safe and satisfactory condition. In the last decade, Maryland has invested more than $175 million in Bay Bridge safety and security infrastructure.”

MDTA’s main concern is boats getting bigger while regulations for infrastructure have stayed largely the same, causing them to consider adding extra protection.

“Although the Bay Bridge’s pier protection design and condition meet the requirements of the bridge’s federal permits, the MDTA is engaged in a design process for enhanced physical protection. MDTA has taken steps to enhance the Bay Bridge’s physical protections because, although vessels have increased in size, weight, and speed, maritime regulations have not kept pace with the changes.”

The MDTA is also considering the replacement of the Bay Bridge’s spans, which may increase safety since the existing spans are decades old. Replacing older parts of existing infrastructure will help keep roadways safer statewide, a concern among many Marylanders following the Key Bridge’s collapse in March 2024.

Improving Maryland Roadways One Step At A Time

Alongside major bridges in Maryland, the MDTA is always on the lookout for ways to improve existing highways, tunnels and other types of transportation infrastructure. Over $143 million has been invested in Maryland roadways over the six-year capital program, funding numerous projects to improve transportation safety statewide.

The effort to increase safety on Maryland roads is ongoing. The collapse of the Key Bridge has made Maryland transportation officials take a closer look at existing infrastructure around the state, and there are likely even more improvements to come as we transition into 2026.

If you notice a roadway that needs improvement, you can report potholes and other hazards directly to Maryland.gov.

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