The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has developed a tentative timeline for reopening the Fort McHenry Channel in Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
This channel, part of the Fort McHenry Channel, will be 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, enabling limited access for barge containers and certain vessels. Maryland's Governor Wes Moore highlighted the necessity for a 35-foot depth for larger vessels. The Corps aims to restore full access through a permanent, 700-foot-wide and 50-foot-deep channel by the end of May, according to Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, who credited the Unified Command's efforts in making this timeline possible
Bottomline Upfront:
The Army Corps of Engineers plans to restore the Port of Baltimore to full capacity by the end of May, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 due to a container ship collision, The Baltimore Sun reports.
Restoring safe navigation in and out of the Port of Baltimore is crucial for the resumption of operations and the movement of goods.
The Breakdown
USACE expects to open a limited access channel to the Port of Baltimore within the next four weeks, supporting one-way traffic for barge container service and roll-on/roll-off vessels.
The permanent federal navigation channel is targeted to be reopened by the end of May, restoring port access to normal capacity.
A temporary channel, 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, is set to open by the end of April to allow barge and some vessel traffic. However, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, the Corps' commanding general, noted these timelines are subject to change due to weather or complexities in the wreckage. Recent adverse weather in Baltimore has already hindered salvage operations. The announcement comes ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to review the salvage efforts.
Restoring the Port of Baltimore
The USACE is leading the effort to clear the wreckage and restore full service at the Port of Baltimore. The safety of the operation and the recovery of the missing individuals remain top priorities for the engineers.
Photo: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Joe Ravi
