BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announces a $75 million General Engineering Consultant services contract, which was approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) in support of the Key Bridge Rebuild Project. The contract, awarded to Bridging Maryland Partnership, a joint venture of WSP, RK&K, and JMT, designates them as the general engineering consultant. Bridging Maryland Partnership will perform planning, engineering, construction management, and program support services to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Bridging Maryland Partnership will provide a wide range of support services, such as risk management/analyses; establishing, reviewing, tracking, and monitoring cost and schedules; managing project documentation; consulting with environmental regulators; and overseeing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise compliance; among other services. Bridging Maryland Partnership will also manage the Progressive Design Builder, Kiewit Infrastructure Co., by auditing their processes, reviewing submittals, and confirming the design criteria is met. Kiewit Infrastructure Co. was previously awarded a contract by MDTA on August 29, 2024, to complete the design and have the opportunity to negotiate a construction agreement for the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement.

As the Key Bridge Rebuild project moves forward, the Progressive Design Builder is advancing design efforts. To support this, pre-construction activities started taking place both on land and on the water beginning in January, and will continue over the next few months. These activities will provide vital datapoints to inform design and construction decisions. On the water, construction crews on barges, drills, cranes, tugs, and service vessels will begin various activities, such as drilling to collect soil samples and mapping subsurface waterways.

“This is a monumental project for the region, and we're committed to keeping the public informed every step of the way," said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman. “These early activities are crucial in setting the foundation for a safe, efficient, and sustainable bridge for the future."