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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Outline Uncertain Timetable for Removal of Collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge
Six workers were listed as missing after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has stated that it is “too early” to determine when the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge will be cleared from the Patapsco River, allowing marine traffic to resume normal flow into the Port of Baltimore. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced that the military branch, alongside the Coast Guard, has been assigned to oversee the cleanup efforts, cautioning that the process will be neither swift nor inexpensive.
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According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing estimates for timeline and reopening remains premature as their primary focus is on supporting the recovery operations led by the U.S. Coast Guard, along with state and local partners. The Baltimore District of the Corps has activated its emergency operations center, mobilizing over 1,100 specialists in engineering, construction, contracting, and operations to assist in response efforts following Tuesday’s tragic bridge collapse.
The Corps pledges to contribute underwater assessment capabilities, structural engineering expertise, including certified bridge safety inspectors and urban search and rescue specialists, as well as the removal of debris obstructing the waterway, posing navigation hazards. The recovery operation has shifted from a mode of retrieval to salvage, due to the challenging conditions surrounding the wreckage, hindering divers’ safe navigation and operation around the site.
The recovery efforts have yielded grim results, with two bodies recovered from the river on Wednesday after divers located a submerged red pickup truck. Tragically, four construction workers are still missing and presumed dead in the aftermath of the collapse. Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Roland Butler remarked on the transition from recovery to salvage operations, highlighting the complexities posed by the debris and the structural elements surrounding the vehicles.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed uncertainty regarding the total costs and timeline for the reconstruction efforts. However, he affirmed the state's unwavering commitment to overcoming the challenges ahead, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of adversity. Governor Moore assured that despite the daunting task at hand, the state remains steadfast in its determination to leave no one behind and ensure the well-being of its people throughout the recovery process.
