A deeper waterway to allow commercial ships to enter and exit the Port of Baltimore. Scheduled to open Thursdaya major step toward restarting trade after the port was closed due to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse last month.
The Army Corps of Engineers opened three shallow temporary channels under part of the bridge to allow some small craft and salvage vessels access to the port once the bridge is removed. The new channel, 35 meters deep, will allow most ships to enter and leave the port.
Officials had previously said they aimed to open the deep waterway by the end of the month, pushing the salvage operation about a week ahead of schedule.
Officials had previously said they aimed to open the deep waterway by the end of the month, pushing the salvage operation about a week ahead of schedule.
Officials said five of the seven cargo ships stuck at the port, including a car carrier, are expected to be able to leave via new routes. Other ships are also expected to enter the port, which is an important terminal for the import and export of automobiles and coal.
The bridge collapsed due to the collision of the MV Dali, which suffered a power outage. Six road workers maintaining Interstate 695 were killed in the collapse.
The port’s main waterway, which has a controlled depth of 50 feet (15 meters), is scheduled to reopen next month after the ship is removed. This will basically return maritime traffic to normal.
“We’re going to work efficiently, we’re going to work safely, we’re not going to choose between the two,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said at a news conference Tuesday.
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