Dive Brief:
- The Maryland Transportation Authority released a request for qualifications for the construction of the main span and marine approaches of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to a July 21 release.
- The RFQ launches the two-step, competitive, sealed proposal process to select a design-build team for the contract, according to the MDTA.
- Interested teams can access the official RFQ document on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage, per the release. To be considered for the second step of the procurement, proposers must submit a statement of qualifications by Aug. 19.
Dive Insight:
The procurement follows the MDTA’s May 19 announcement that it would split the Key Bridge rebuild into four contracts, said Bruce Gartner, MDTA executive director, in the news release.
Ongoing construction activities will continue alongside the RFQ, he added. For instance, teams are currently installing the permanent foundation piles and the trestle.
The procurement marks the largest of the four Key Bridge Rebuild project contracts, per the release. The main span bridge and marine approaches contract includes:
- Construction of a cable-stayed bridge with a 1,665-foot main span and a total length of 3,365 feet
- Two concrete pylons reaching an elevation of 602 feet
- A vessel collision protection system at the main pylon piers
- About 660 feet of south-approach bridge over water
- About 1,560 feet of north-approach bridge over water
“Maryland is working expeditiously to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and this step is the first major milestone in assembling our construction team,” Maryland Transportation Secretary and MDTA Board Chair Katie Thomson said in the release.
The MDTA will announce a reduced candidate list later in the fall and a project notice to proceed in the summer of 2027, per the release. In addition to the main span bridge and marine approaches contract, the state agency expects to announce the following procurements for other Key Bridge rebuild work:
- The demolition of the remaining structures over water and miscellaneous marine work
- The construction of the south land approach
- The construction of the north land approach
