A little over two years since Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by the Dali container ship, Maryland has fired the main contractor, Kiewit, a corporation out of Nebraska. The firm is known for taking on large, complicated construction projects.
This was just a few weeks after Moore had bragged about how well the rebuild was going. Initially projected as costing between $1.7 to $1.9 billion, the estimate was later adjusted to over $5 billion. The completion date was also moved to no earlier than 2028. The Maryland Transportation Authority, who originally made the estimate, said they did so because the first estimate was assembled rapidly, primarily to support the state’s request for federal emergency relief funding.
Many view this dismissal as an example of the incompetence of the Moore administration in actually running the State of Maryland. The Key Bridge project, along with extensive problems with the state’s juvenile justice and foster child programs causing the removal of two administration officials as well as Maryland’s State Highway Administration (SHA) improperly charging for or having unaccounted spending of hundreds of millions of dollars spending, according to a 2025 legislative audit.
It is likely that the project completion could be set back by this development, costing even more for the residents and businesses of Maryland who relied on this bridge. According to Governor Moore:
“From the moment the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, I have been unequivocal: we will rebuild this bridge safely, quickly, and cost-efficiently. And we will never settle for less.
“We proved what urgency looks like in Phase 1 of the rebuild. We moved with speed and efficiency, clearing the channel to the Port of Baltimore in 11 weeks when some experts said it would take 11 months. Where projects of similar scale and complexity have taken years, we completed 70% design for the project in a matter of months. We set a new standard, and we intend to keep it.
“As we prepare to enter Phase 2 of construction, our team approached negotiations with our contractor with clear eyes and firm imperatives. But after weeks of engagement, it became evident that the contractor’s proposed price and timeline for moving forward was unreasonably high and therefore unacceptable. This was informed by the state’s independent cost estimates. I concluded that accepting this proposal was not in the best interest of the people of Maryland and the American people. And I will not move forward with any arrangement that fails that test.”
“That is why today, I directed MDTA to conduct a new procurement for Phase 2 of this project, which we are confident will deliver the best deal for taxpayers while ensuring that the project is delivered with the highest standards. This approach will ensure greater competition and a better deal for Maryland and our workforce.
“Let me be absolutely clear: work will not stop, we will not slow down, and we will secure the right partners to complete this mission. The Francis Scott Key Bridge will be rebuilt safely, quickly, and cost efficiently – no exceptions,”
From “X”:
Others in the state point to the focus on “DEI” provisions when contracting companies.
Kiewit will complete Phase 1 (design, pile driving, temporary trestle) through at least end of 2026, receiving ~$700 million total.
MDTA will reopen competitive bidding for Phase 2 construction, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and U.S. DOT to prioritize cost control, speed, and safety.
-Jan Greenhawk, Author
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