en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced at a recent virtual industry forum that the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will be split into four separate contracts for procurement. MDTA estimates the total cost of these works to be between $4 billion and $4.8 billion. The work packages cover the demolition of the existing structure, as well as separate tenders for the construction of the north and south approach bridges and the main span.
MDTA stated that restructuring the procurement into multiple contracts is expected to increase competition within the contracting community, expand opportunities for local workforce participation, and accelerate the award of new contracts. Previously, mega-project contractor Tutor Perini had noted that bidding competition for multi-billion dollar projects is limited because many builders face capacity constraints. Prior to this adjustment by MDTA, Kiewit of Omaha, Nebraska, had been "exited" from the project after the parties failed to agree on a final price for future work. MDTA explained that removing Kiewit was in accordance with standard provisions of the design-build contract. However, Kiewit has not been dismissed. According to MDTA's latest statement, Kiewit Infrastructure Co. will complete its existing contract work, including installing permanent foundation piles and constructing work platforms on the water, with work continuing at least through the end of this calendar year.
Among the four contracts, the largest work package is a design-build contract for rebuilding the main span, with an estimated cost between $3.5 billion and $4 billion. The scope of work includes a 3,365-foot cable-stayed bridge with a 1,665-foot main span and 230 feet of vertical clearance for the main navigation channel. Prequalification for this work will begin this summer, with construction expected to start in the summer of 2027. The next is the South Approach Bridge contract, a design-bid-build package requiring the construction of 3,000 feet of landside approach bridge and wetland ground improvements. This project has an estimated cost of $300 million to $400 million, with invitations for bids starting in the fall and construction commencing in the spring of 2027. On the opposite side of the Patapsco River, the North Approach Bridge design-bid-build contract will require the construction of 2,400 feet of landside approach bridge, 3,400 feet of roadway approach embankment, abutments, and retaining walls. MDTA estimates a cost range of $200 million to $300 million, with bid invitations starting in the winter of 2027 and construction launching the following spring. The smallest and earliest tendered contract is for Demolition and Miscellaneous Marine Work, which requires the demolition and salvage of two three-span steel girder units over the Patapsco River, partial demolition of eight in-water piers, underwater demolition of three foundations, and complete demolition of two landside piers. The estimated cost range is $50 million to $100 million, with bid invitations starting this summer and construction expected to begin in the fall.
During the first phase of construction, Kiewit performed work under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). However, MDTA Deputy Director of Project Development Jason Stolicny stated at the forum that the Maryland Department of Transportation (Maryland DOT) decided in February 2025 that future work will no longer require a PLA. Consequently, future contracts will not be subject to a PLA. However, as the project will utilize federal funds, they will still need to comply with the provisions of the Buy America Act.
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