The Port of Baltimore has said that it expects to partially re-open commercial access later this month, with fuller access expected in May.
Last week (26 March), the vessel Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge near to the Port of Baltimore, causing the bridge to collapse and blocking access to the port.
Commercial traffic remains suspended into and out of the port.
‘Tentative’ timeline
According to a statement from port authorities, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has announced a “tentative” timeline for the reopening of the channel.
“The Corps expects to open a channel 280-feed wide and 35-feet deep by the end of April and reopen the permanent 700-foot wide, 50-foot deep channel by the end of May.”
Any shipping lane requires a depth of at least 35-feet in order for vessels to pass through safely.
The first channel could “support one-way traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment”, according to the engineering Corps.
‘Ambitious’ plans subject to change
USACE Lieutenant General Scott A Spellmon said:
“These are ambitious timelines that may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage.”
In a statement, Baltimore mayor Brandon M Scott thanked the those who had contributed to the work that has already taken place “at every level of government”, including support from federal and state, but also stressed that the timeline depends on a number of factors.
Insurance issues
Salvage crews are reportedly still in the area, removing debris from the Dali and searching for the bodies of the remaining missing workers.
US president Joe Biden is set to visit the area and meet the families of the deceased workers. Six are presumed dead after the crash.
Biden has promised to “make Baltimore whole again” and committed the federal government to covering the costs of rebuilding. Last week, the US Department of Transportation announced $60m in funds to help with the clean-up.
The government supports comes ahead of what is expected to be a “record” insurance battle over the coming months and years. Biden’s commitment would sidestep some of the issues that municipal authorities face in getting funds released to pay for reconstruction, although the White House added that providing some funds would require congressional approval.
