Italian engineering company, Webuild, has presented a concept design for a new Baltimore bridge to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The proposed bridge aims to address various functional aspects including safety, adaptability, and sustainability.

The Webuild Group has outlined plans to add extra traffic lanes to the new Baltimore bridge, which would enhance the flow of vehicles across the structure. Additionally, the company intends to enlarge the bridge to 2,300 feet, with the main pylons positioned in shallower water and away from the navigation channel.

Having previously played a role in rebuilding a collapsed bridge in Genoa, Italy, in 2018, Webuild is now ready to assist in the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. A preliminary design and plans were sent to Maryland officials on Friday.

The proposed cable-stayed bridge design not only focuses on the future of the maritime industry by accommodating larger ships entering the Port of Baltimore, but also prioritizes safety enhancements. This comes after the Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, tragically claiming the lives of six maintenance workers.

Under the new design, ships of up to 213 feet tall would be able to pass under the bridge, compared to the previous clearance of 185 feet. The preliminary proposal has been a collaboration between Webuild, architect Carlo Ratti from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux. Ratti emphasized the importance of a cable-stayed solution, as it enables the piles to be located at a safe distance, ensuring the prevention of future accidents.

WeBuild has offered its proposal as a sign of solidarity and friendship with the United States. The company's CEO, Pietro Salini, expressed readiness to quickly restore the bridge for local mobility. Salini emphasized that Webuild and its US subsidiary, Lane, are dedicated to the pro bono service, willing to assist authorities in any way possible.

To accommodate rising traffic levels, the proposed bridge design includes a wider carriageway, an additional lane in each direction, and the widening of emergency lanes. Smart features and advanced traffic management systems would also be incorporated, along with the use of predictive maintenance techniques for efficient operation.

WeBuild is committed to utilizing sustainable materials to preserve the ecosystem of the Patapsco River, where the bridge is located. Maryland officials are expected to send formal invitations to engineering firms this month, estimating the project to cost approximately $1.9 billion and take around four years to complete. The goal is to have the new bridge fully constructed by the fall of 2028.

Port officials aim to clear the shipping channel of bridge debris and the wrecked ship by late May, ensuring smoother navigation and allowing for the reconstruction project to commence promptly.

WeBuild's track record in swiftly replacing collapsed bridges, such as the Ponte Morandi bridge in Genoa, offers confidence in their ability to bring the new Francis Scott Key Bridge to fruition. With their design concept nearing completion, Webuild is ready to play a pivotal role in the bridge's reconstruction or new construction, ensuring a safer and more efficient connection for the city of Baltimore.