Following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge just over a week ago, the US Army Corps of Engineers has announced plans to fully reopen the channel leading to the Baltimore port by the end of May. The disaster had halted vessel traffic and dealt a severe blow to a port critical to local and national economies.
Crews have been diligently working to clear the wreckage from the site where a massive cargo ship collided with the bridge on March 26, causing it to collapse into the channel and resulting in the loss of six construction workers' lives. Efforts are still ongoing to locate the bodies of four workers believed to be trapped in the debris underwater.
The US Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District revealed in a news release that they intend to open a 'limited access channel' of approximately 280 feet wide to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April. This channel will facilitate one-way traffic for barge container service and certain roll-on/roll-off vessels transporting automobiles and farm equipment.
Engineers are aiming to restore full port access by reopening the permanent federal navigation channel, which is 700 feet wide and 50 feet deep, by the end of May. This restoration will bring port operations back to normal capacity.
Authorities emphasize that clearing the channel is not only crucial for the economy but also essential for the recovery of the missing workers. The salvage operation is described as a challenging and intricate task due to the massive wreckage entangled underwater.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore highlighted the complexity of the situation, stating, 'We have a ship almost the size of the Eiffel Tower trapped under the Key Bridge. The collapse has created a hazardous environment for salvage divers, with murky waters limiting visibility to just 1 to 2 feet ahead.'
Salvage divers are being guided through the wreckage site by operators using renderings and images to navigate the treacherous conditions. Governor Moore reiterated that the mission is not only to clear the channel but also to provide closure to the families of the victims.
