Tentative timeline in place to re-open Baltimore port after bridge collapse

The USACE said its engineers have determined a tentative timeline for the restoration for safe navigation in and out of the Port of Baltimore. 

Response to the incident is headed by a Unified Joint Command comprised of local, state and federal US agencies and a representative from Synergy Marine, the owners of the 9,962-TEU container ship Dali that struck the bridge and caused its collapse.

"After detailed studies and engineering assessments by local, state and federal organisations, in collaboration with industry partners, USACE expects to open a limited access channel 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, to the Port of Baltimore within the next four weeks – by the end of April. This channel would support one-way traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment to and from the port," the USACE said.

The Army division said its engineers are aiming to reopen the permanent, 700-ft wide (213 m) by 50-ft (15 m) deep navigation channel by the end of May, which would restore port access to its "normal capacity".

“Thanks to the exhaustive work of the Unified Command during the last two weeks, including underwater surveys and detailed structural analysis of the wreckage, we’ve developed a better understanding of the immense and complex work that lies ahead,” said USACE commanding general General Scott A Spellmon. “A fully opened federal channel remains our primary goal, and we will carry out this work with care and precision, with safety as our chief priority.”

“These are ambitious timelines that may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage,” General Spellmon added. “We are working quickly and safely to clear the channel and restore full service at this port that is so vital to the nation. At the same time, we continue to keep faith with the families of the missing and are working with our partners to help locate and recover their loved ones.”

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