The 4-lane Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in 1977. The Patapsco River over which it lies is an important transportation route. The river, along with the Port of Baltimore, is vital to the transportation of goods on the East Coast of the United States.
After the salvage work, the city of Baltimore must investigate how the bridge was dismantled and replaced. The American news channel NBC News cites David Mackenzie, director of a British engineering and architectural firm.
According to McKenzie, rebuilding the bridge will cost 10 times the original cost. When the bridge was built in 1977, it cost about $60 million. The man also points out that container ships of the 1970s were much smaller than today's models, although he does not believe the bridge had any construction problems.
Since the wreck partially obscures Baltimore Harbor from the ocean, the collapse of the bridge would likely mean a financial loss for the port. McKenzie estimates it will take at least two years before the new bridge spans the river. In addition, the Americans expect the new bridge to be “much stronger” than the bridge that collapsed last night.
