Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that crews would utilize a large crane, capable of lifting up to 1,000 tons, to clear the channel of twisted metal and concrete debris from both the bridge and the cargo ship that collided with it.

Experts have estimated that rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge could take anywhere from 18 months to several years, with a projected cost of at least $400 million, or potentially more than double that figure. However, the exact timeline and cost remain uncertain, dependent on several factors yet to be determined. These factors include the design of the new bridge and the efficiency with which government officials can navigate the bureaucratic processes of approving permits and awarding contracts.

One engineering professor, Ben Schafer from Johns Hopkins University, realistically suggested that the project could take five to seven years. Comparing it to the lead time on air conditioning equipment for home renovations, Schafer expressed skepticism about the feasibility of building an entire bridge in just two years. On the other hand, Sameh Badie, an engineering professor at George Washington University, offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting that the project could be completed in as little as 18 months to two years.

The collapse of the Key Bridge occurred on Tuesday, tragically claiming the lives of six crew members who were working on the span. The accident has resulted in the closure of a portion of the Baltimore beltway and the city's busy port, leading officials to urgently address cleanup and reconstruction efforts.

While parallels have been drawn to incidents such as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse in Florida in 1980, experts argue that more recent bridge disasters provide better insights into the potential reconstruction timeline. For instance, the Mississippi River's Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minnesota in 2007 was rebuilt in less than 14 months, serving as a reference point for the urgency and efficiency required in similar projects.

Jim Tymon, the executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies to expedite the necessary permits and environmental approvals. He expressed confidence that all the required processes would be efficiently carried out to ensure a swift reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

However, funding remains a significant concern as the source for the new bridge is yet to be determined. President Joe Biden has repeatedly stated that the federal government will cover the cost, but the realization of this commitment remains to be seen. Tymon expressed hope that Congress would promptly provide the necessary resources to prevent funding from becoming a potential source of delay.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who played a key role in expediting funding for the I-35W bridge reconstruction in her state, acknowledged the complexities involved in replacing the Baltimore span. She highlighted that while the I-35W bridge was a heavily trafficked federal interstate highway with approximately 140,000 daily vehicle crossings, the Francis Scott Key Bridge carries approximately 31,000 vehicles per day, presenting different challenges for reconstruction.

As Baltimore begins the monumental task of rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, efforts will focus on efficient collaboration, timely funding, and navigating bureaucracy to ensure a safe and expeditious return to normalcy for the affected area.