Maryland Drops Kiewit for Key Bridge Phase 2, Will Seek New Contractor

State of MD - The State of Maryland has cut ties with the construction firm hired to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, at least for the next phase of the project. The Maryland Transportation Authority announced it will not retain Kiewit Infrastructure Co. for Phase 2 construction after the company's cost proposal came in far above what the state says the work should cost.

Governor Wes Moore has made it clear from the beginning that the bridge rebuild needs to be done safely, quickly, and without wasting taxpayer money. After negotiations with Kiewit fell apart, state officials decided the best move was to find someone else for the job.

"At Governor Moore's direction, MDTA will aggressively protect and advance the interests of Maryland and all taxpayers," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. "The MDTA will continue to work in lockstep with the Federal Highway Administration to ensure the Key Bridge is rebuilt as quickly and as cost effectively as possible while keeping safety the priority. That is what Marylanders demand, and that is what Marylanders deserve. We will settle for nothing less."

The decision to part ways with Kiewit for Phase 2 is not unusual in this type of contract. The agreement included what's called an "off-ramp" provision, which allows the state to walk away if both sides can't agree on a final price. That's exactly what happened here.

It's worth noting that Kiewit did solid work during Phase 1. The company moved the design process from zero to 70% completion in just 14 months, which officials described as historic speed. But when it came time to negotiate the cost of actually building the bridge, the numbers didn't add up for the state.

Kiewit's proposal for Phase 2 was described as "unacceptable" and far beyond the state's own independent cost estimates. Governor Moore directed the MDTA to go back to the market and find a contractor who can deliver the bridge at a fair price.

The good news for anyone concerned about delays: work on the Key Bridge is not stopping.

"Work will not stop on the Key Bridge Rebuild project," said Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner. "Progress will continue, and Kiewit will fulfill their contractual obligation for Phase 1, which includes driving foundation pile and building a temporary trestle."

Kiewit is expected to stay on through at least the end of the year to complete their Phase 1 work. That includes installing foundation piles and building a temporary trestle - both important steps toward getting the new bridge built.

As for what comes next, the MDTA plans to host an industry forum in May. The forum will give potential contractors a look at the project and share more details about the procurement process moving forward.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024 after a cargo ship struck one of its support columns. The disaster killed six construction workers and shut down a major shipping channel for months. Rebuilding it has been a top priority for state and federal officials ever since.