In the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Maryland officials have made significant progress in efforts to mitigate the impact and restore functionality at the Port of Baltimore. During a recent press conference, Governor Wes Moore provided updates on the status of salvage operations and the construction of temporary channels to facilitate the resumption of vessel traffic. Currently, two temporary channels have been completed, allowing for limited commercial movement, which represents about 15% of the usual traffic seen before the collapse.
The intricate operation involves the removal of approximately 178 containers from the Dali ship, which collided with the bridge, to facilitate the lifting of the bridge wreckage. So far, 34 containers have been successfully removed. The goal is to open a temporary channel by the end of April, with a depth of 35 feet and a length of 280 feet, to permanently reopen the port by the end of May. This channel is crucial for restoring full operational capabilities to the port, which is a vital component of the regional economy.
The Maryland State Police and other state agencies are heavily involved in the recovery operations, providing ongoing support to ensure the safety and efficiency of the efforts. Additionally, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced an Action Plan to assist residents affected by the port closure, including utility bill and rental assistance, highlighting the local government’s commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time.
Credits:
- WBALTV, “Crews removing containers from Dali, key bridge collapse”, WBALTV Article.
