MDTA Opens Bidding on Next Key Bridge Rebuild Contract

State of MD - The Maryland Transportation Authority is accepting bids for a new contract tied to the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. This is the second of four contracts planned for the project.

The contract covers demolition and marine work still needed at the site. It will be awarded through a sealed bidding process, with work expected to start in late 2026.

MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner spoke about the timing of the announcement. "This advertisement keeps progress on the Key Bridge Rebuild moving on an aggressive timeline while construction is already underway," he said. "Although it is not impeding work, clearing the remaining structures over the water is a necessary part of building the new bridge. We are keeping that work on a parallel track as we advance our other procurements."

The work includes removing and salvaging steel girder spans over the Patapsco River. It also includes tearing down marine and land piers.

Crews will also handle demolition of marine foundations underwater. The contract calls for clearing out 96 inch steel pipe piles as well.

Firms interested in bidding can find the full Invitation for Bid on the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage website.

MDTA announced all four Key Bridge Rebuild contracts back in May. Splitting the work into separate contracts is meant to bring in more bidders, create more local jobs, and speed up the overall rebuild.

On July 21, MDTA released the Request for Qualifications for the main span and marine approaches contract. That is the largest of the four contracts and starts a two step process to pick a design build team.

The south land approach contract is expected to go out for bid in late 2026. The north land approach contract is expected to follow in early 2027.

Work on the bridge is already visible along the river. Crews are driving permanent piles and building an over water platform, called a trestle, to support construction of the new bridge.