Port of Baltimore Fully Reopens: From Bridge Collapse to Resumption of Operations

On March 26, 2024, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge resulted in six deaths and significantly impacted the Port of Baltimore. Governor Wes Moore, along with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director Tom Perez, announced the full reopening of the port this week.

Key Directives and Rapid Response

Following the bridge collapse, Governor Moore issued four key directives:

Support for the families of the victims.
Clearing the federal channel and fully reopening the port.
Supporting affected workers and businesses.
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

In under 100 days, a 700-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep channel was reopened, marking the full reopening of the port. This restoration welcomed back global shipping and cruise partners, supported thousands of jobs, and revitalized the regional economy.

Contributions of the Unified Command

Over 1,500 professionals from federal, state, and local agencies contributed to reopening the main channel, removing over 50,000 tons of debris. In just 78 days, the Unified Command restored the channel and resumed port operations.

Economic Impact and Future Plans

The port's reopening has significantly boosted economic activity. The port has a daily economic impact of $192 million and an annual impact of over $70 billion, accounting for 13% of Maryland's GDP. With the channel fully operational, the Port of Baltimore reaffirms its position as a top U.S. port.

Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge

Governor Moore emphasized that rebuilding the bridge is a priority, with the project expected to be completed by 2028. The federal government has committed to covering the full reconstruction costs to ensure the swift restoration of this critical transportation artery.

Conclusion

Governor Moore expressed gratitude to the Unified Command for their tireless efforts in reopening the channel safely and swiftly. The full reopening of the Port of Baltimore not only revitalizes economic activities but also brings new hope to the people of Maryland.