The Italian company, WeBuild Group, known for rebuilding the bridge that collapsed in Genoa in 2018, has offered to help with the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The collapse in Baltimore occurred in late March after a cargo ship hit one of its pillars, causing the deaths of six construction workers. WeBuild Group has submitted a preliminary design and plans to US officials, aiming to create a safer bridge by widening the ship passage channels among other measures.
The collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa in August 2018 led to the deaths of 43 people, prompting the construction of the Genoa San Giorgio bridge in its place. WeBuild Group was involved in building this replacement bridge in just 15 months, completed in 2020 at a cost of €290 million. The Maryland Transportation Authority plans to issue formal invites for proposals to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge by the end of May, with WeBuild Group and other companies potentially vying for the project.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, also known as the Key Bridge, was a crucial route for traffic heading into the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for imports and exports. The collapse disrupted port operations temporarily, but four temporary channels have since reopened to allow some ship traffic to resume. President Joe Biden has pledged federal support for the recovery efforts, vowing to cover the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge and expedite the reopening of the port.
The estimated cost of rebuilding the Key Bridge in Baltimore ranges from $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion, with the Maryland Transportation Authority aiming to complete the reconstruction by the fall of 2028. The MDTA is responsible for financing revenue-generating transportation projects in the state and is overseeing the recovery efforts for the collapsed bridge. WeBuild Group’s proposal for the reconstruction includes measures to prevent similar accidents in the future, ensuring the safety of the bridge and its users. The cooperation between the Italian company and US officials reflects a collaborative effort to restore vital infrastructure and prevent future tragedies.
