Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Costs Soar to $5.2 Billion as NTSB Investigates Collapse Cause
The Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Baltimore is now estimated to cost up to $5.2 billion and take until 2030, as the NTSB investigates a loose cable on the cargo ship Dali as the probable cause of the fatal collapse.
Overview
The NTSB is voting on the probable cause of the cargo ship Dali's crash into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, an incident that tragically resulted in six fatalities.
Investigators discovered a loose cable on the cargo ship Dali, which is suspected of causing electrical issues that led to the vessel's collision with the Baltimore bridge.
The catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge claimed the lives of six construction workers who were performing pothole repairs during an overnight shift.
Maryland officials have significantly increased the estimated cost for replacing the bridge, now projecting between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion for the reconstruction project.
The completion date for the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild has been extended by two years to 2030, as announced by Governor Wes Moore, reflecting the project's complexity.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting regarding the NTSB's impending vote on the Baltimore bridge collapse. They present details about the ship's electrical issues, the updated cost and timeline for rebuilding, and past NTSB criticisms of bridge vulnerability without employing loaded language or selective emphasis, ensuring a balanced informational approach.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The collapse was likely caused by a loose cable on the cargo ship Dali, which led to electrical issues and the ship's collision with the bridge.
The rebuilt Francis Scott Key Bridge is now estimated to cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, significantly higher than initial estimates.
The completion date has been pushed back to late 2030, two years later than initially planned.
Six construction workers tragically lost their lives during the incident while performing pothole repairs overnight.
The increased costs and delays are due to rising national economic conditions, increased material prices, updated bridge design standards including larger ship accommodations and pier protection systems, and advanced engineering studies conducted after the incident.
History
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