The Italian company WeBuild Group, known for its work in rebuilding the collapsed Morandi bridge in Genoa in 2018, has expressed its readiness to assist in the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The Key Bridge suffered a catastrophic collapse in late March following a collision with a cargo ship, resulting in the tragic loss of six construction workers.
WeBuild Group, through its subsidiary in the United States, has submitted a preliminary design to US officials for the reconstruction project. The proposed design aims to enhance safety by widening ship channels and implementing other safety measures to prevent future incidents similar to the one in March.
The collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa claimed 43 lives in 2018, prompting the swift construction of the Genoa San Giorgio bridge by companies including WeBuild Group. The replacement project, completed in 2020 at a cost of €290 million, was a testament to the company's expertise in bridge construction.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is set to release formal invitations for proposals to rebuild the Key Bridge by the end of May. The Key Bridge, a crucial route for traffic to the Port of Baltimore, saw daily usage by up to 35,000 vehicles before its collapse.
The estimated cost of rebuilding the Key Bridge ranges between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with completion expected by the fall of 2028. The federal government, under President Joe Biden's leadership, has pledged full support for the reconstruction efforts, ensuring that the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge will be covered.
